UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Wurz returns with Honda

Third driver role for veteran tester

A surprise about-turn today sees Alexander Wurz, most recently of Williams and Mclaren, announced a test and third driver for the Honda F1 team.

The move comes following Wurz's retirement from F1 racing before the closing race of last season, and in the wake of speculation that he may continue to be involved with the Williams team in some form.

A highly valued test driver by both Williams and McLaren, Wurz explained:

"This is an excellent opportunity to play an important role in the development of the team going forward. My three previous teams have all been world championship winners and I hope to be able to contribute to Honda's ambitions.

"The chance to work with one of the best brains in F1 in Ross Brawn is very exciting, as is the level of resources that the Honda team has at its disposal."

The Austrian also looked forward to working with Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, whom he says he knows very well.

Ross Brawn, lynchpin of the new Honda regime, expressed his pleasure at securing Wurz's services:

"We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Honda Racing F1 Team and very pleased to have secured one of the most experienced development drivers in Formula One to support our race driver pairing of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello."

Wurz is scheduled to begin his tenure by testing the much maligned RA107 at Valencia later this month, while Barrichello and Button will sample the new RA108 upn which Honda hopes rest heavily this season.

Written: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:30:32