Montanari began racing in Formula Opel between 1996 and 1997, representing Italy in the Nations Cup and winning in 1997 with Giovanni Anapoli.[1] In the 1997 championship, he completed thirteen races, winning one and securing five podium finishes. His points total, 103, meant he finished the season in fourth place.
In 1998, Montanari graduated to International Formula 3000 where he drove for Draco Engineering. His best result came in Barcelona, where he qualified seventh and finished eighth. In 1999, he joined GP Racing but failed to qualify for either race he entered. Later in the season, he entered two races with Durango Racing, once again failing to qualify on both occasions.
In 2000, Montanari stepped into Italian F3000 with previous employer Durango Formula. He completed the first three races of the season with a best finish of fifth at Mugello Circuit. In 2001, he raced in European F3000 for five races with B&C Competition. He suffered four retirements before finishing his final race with the team at Donington Park in sixth, meaning he scored a single championship point.[2][3][4]
(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)
