Wurz announces retirement
October 9th 2007 04:01
Retired from racing
The Austrian has been under pressure all year after being consistently outperformed by his teammate Nico Rosberg.
The 33-year old debuted at Canada in 1997 for Benetton, and raced for three years with them before taking a long stint as test driver for McLaren and Williams.
In his ten-year F1 career, Wurz started a total of 69 races, the last being last Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix.
The eloquent former BMX champion admitted that self-doubt was what led him to making the decision to quit racing.
"In such a hard-fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing, then it is time to stop,” said Wurz
“Privately I began to have these thoughts earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement," he said.
"Racing this season has been a real pleasure, especially securing the podium in Canada which was pretty sweet along with a number of other strong races, but now it is time to call it a day. I'd like to thank the team for accepting my decision and I wish them all the best for the last race of the year.
As for life after racing, Wurz wished to remain in the sport in some capacity, most likely in a testing role.
"I look forward to my future and perhaps the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and skills in Formula One and I have some discussions underway,” he said
“I may also race again, perhaps in Le Mans or other categories and certainly some of my time will now be committed to the very important subject of road safety," he added.
Team boss, Frank Williams responded to Wurz’s announcment paringin his ability to help develop the car.
"Alex has made an invaluable contribution to the team for the past two years, first as one of the best test and development drivers the team has ever worked with, and more recently as a race driver," said Williams.
"This season Alex has had some very strong drives in difficult circumstances and we would like to thank him for all he has contributed. Alex is well-known, immensely popular and widely regarded as one of Formula One's gentlemen. I am sure I speak for everyone in the paddock when I wish Alex and his family the very best for the future."
Williams will announce Wurz’s replacement for the final race of the season tomorrow, rumour suggests it will be Toyota-backed test driver, Kazuki Nakajima.
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