Wurz announces F1 retirement
Monday, 08 Oct 2007 21:52
Wurz was in his full season back in the F1 spotlight
Williams driver Alexander Wurz has announced his immediate retirement from formula one after a ten-year career involved at the top level of motor racing.
The 33-year-old Austrian will miss the last race of the season in Brazil on October 21st ruling out the possibility of him adding to his total of 13 points in this year's drivers' championship.
"In such an environment as F1, I always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing then it is time to stop," Wurz said.
"Privately I began to have these thoughts earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement."
Wurz began his F1 career at Benetton in 1997 and registered a podium finish in only his third race as he followed Jacques Villeneuve and Jean Alesi home in that year's British grand prix.
His departure from the team in 2000 saw him stand down from a full-time race seat but continue in the sport as a highly-regarded test driver for McLaren and then Williams.
He took up of the offer of a race berth for this season and his third place in the Canadian grand prix was the best individual result Williams have recorded so far this term.
"Racing this season has been a real pleasure, especially securing the podium in Canada. That was pretty sweet, along with a number of other strong races, but now it is time to call it a day," Wurz added.