Wurz confirms his permanent retirement!

Alexander Wurz insists that he has not gone back on his decision to retire as a Formula 1 driver, even though he has accepted the role of test driver for Honda Racing.

The Austrian decided to retire a few months after the Chinese Grand Prix. However, he announced to everyone’s surprise at the beginning of January that he would be the third driver at Honda.

Although this role means he will indeed be present for every race of the 2008 season, Wurz asserts that his intentions have not changed regarding his involvement in F1.

« I retired from being a Formula 1 race driver, but I’ve always said that I love testing and development work, » wrote Wurz on his official website.

« I’m not sure I have the necessary strength to complete a full season as a race car driver. You must know that the primary motivation for a driver is the love of driving, but in the end, that only accounts for about 10%. The rest depends on the technique, the car, etc. »

« And of course I still have that love for driving. Doing the testing for Honda has been a wonderful opportunity for me to stay in the world of F1 while being less active. Being part of the Honda Racing family is exactly what I was looking for. »

Wurz also confirmed that he would be racing at Le Mans this year, likely with Peugeot as the team, but said he is not able to reveal additional details.

« On this matter, I will be able to speak only when the team has made an official announcement, » he said.

« But I am certain to be present for this famous race in the department of Sarthe. A race that has always fascinated me since the beginning of my career. »