F1 career over, Wurz eyes sports cars
It was reported last month that the veteran Austrian, who has retired as a formula one racer but will travel to the grands prix as Honda's official reserve driver this season, was in talks with the works Peugeot team about 2008.
Wurz, 33, is no stranger to Le Mans, having become the race's youngest ever winner in 1996 before debuting in formula one with Benetton.
"I will be seeing you again at the race at the Sarthe, which at the beginning of my career left me fascinated," he told the Austrian publication networld.
Wurz, however, stressed that he gave away the game as a full-time racer "because I was not sure if I had the energy any more for a full F1 racing season".
But he said he is looking forward to his reserve and test role at Honda.
"Driving and development is something that I have always found fun, and I will continue to do so," Wurz explained.
10/08/07 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' now – see Hot News page for announcement.
10/08/07 (GMM) Alex Wurz's retirement as a racing driver could be announced as soon as later today (Monday), according to reports from Austria.
The newspaper Kleinen Zeitung said the announcement will take the form of a press released issued imminently by the 33-year-old's current formula one team Williams.
Wurz may be retained as a test driver for 2008, or even in another non-driving role, according to speculation.
10/07/07 (GMM) Austrian formula one veteran Alex Wurz is likely to retire as a race driver after the Brazilian grand prix later this month.
The news was revealed on BBC Radio Five Live following Sunday's Chinese grand prix, amid existing rumors that the 33-year-old might revert to test driving next year or even a non-driving consultancy role at the Grove based team.
Wurz, having returned to the grid this year after six straight years as a tester for McLaren and Williams respectively, has struggled to match the pace of his teammate Nico Rosberg.
Wurz entered formula one amid much promise in 1997, initially taking over the ill Gerhard Berger's Benetton seat and staying at the Enstone squad for three more years.
The BBC reported that Wurz made the decision to stop racing at the end of 2007 after the Canadian grand prix in June, where he finished third.
"I think Alex has had his best days in F1 and he has probably made the right decision," said long time F1 journalist Maurice Hamilton.
Wurz was asked about the retirement rumors by reporters in Shanghai, but he apologized and pointed to an agreement with Sir Frank Williams to keep quiet for a bit longer.