Mar.11 (GMM) Alex Wurz remains under contract to the team formerly known as Honda, but the Austrian admits he will not see much cockpit action in 2009.
The rebranded 'Brawn GP' team finally began on-track preparations this week, but race drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will use every opportunity to acclimatise to and develop the BGP001.
By the time Melbourne rolls around in just over two weeks, the new in-season test ban will be in force, meaning 35-year-old 'test driver' Wurz is not likely to be needed much beyond a reserve capacity in 2009.
"Work goes on but more in an advisory role," he told the Austrian news agency APA.
"I will work from the driver's perspective but my influence is minimised by the regulations," Wurz added.
The Austrian's reputation is of arguably F1's best test driver, dating back to his prominent role earlier this decade with McLaren, when testers were more commonly referred to as 'third' drivers.
"The great era of the test driver, which I began, is over," he confirmed.
Written: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:20:42
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