Montoya and fellow IndyCar driver Will Power almost competed at Bathurst in a wildcard entry run by Penske, the deal only falling over when the squad decided to focus its energy on its Scott Pye/Marcos Ambrose car.

While it ultimately didn’t happen for 2015, Montoya says racing at Mount Panorama in a V8 Supercar at some point in the future would be a cool experience.

“This year I thought we were going to do the Bathurst 1000,” said Montoya. “There was chance to do Bathurst with Penske, and I thought that would be really cool.

“I’d think more Bathurst than the Gold Coast. From what I hear the cars are really weird to drive, very different – but it would be a cool experience.”

Testing crucial

While not worried about the challenge of driving one of the unique touring cars, Montoya added that he would want ample testing time before attempting to race at Bathurst.

“I’d like the challenge, but if I did it you need to make sure they give you some testing,” he said, “so when you get there you don’t look like a complete idiot.”

Interview by Charles Bradley