Wurz back in F1 next year?

Mr V · 16 Jul 2002, 10:25 (Ref:334834)

from www.autosport.com

McLaren test driver Alexander Wurz claims he is close to finalising his return to Formula 1 racing for next year.

The Austrian, who last raced in Grands Prix with Benetton in 2000, says that he is talking to three teams and is particular close to one in his negotiations for 2003.

Unsurprisingly, Wurz was unwilling to name the team, but speculation suggests it is Toyota. The 28-year-old is said to have a good relationship with technical director and compatriot Gustav Brunner. And with his two years as McLaren's primary test driver, his experience would be attractive to a relatively new team.

"The annual F1 silly season has begun for 2003 contracts," said Wurz. "The market is currently in limbo, though waiting for the first moves to kick off. There are a few seats being targeted by a lot of drivers - and others will only be filled once these prime ones are gone. It seems that it is the teams rather than the drivers who are waiting. But the first move needs to start...

"My future will be with one of three teams. With one of them I am very close already, but the key question now is timing. I will see how things develop over the next 10 days and then will quite likely make a decision before Hockenheim."

McLaren has offered Wurz a lucrative three-year extension to his testing contract in a bid to stop him from signing for Toyota. But he has consistently made it clear that a return to racing is his priority. With David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen all but certain to remain at McLaren for next year, that chance is unlikely to come at the British team.

Be good to see him back!

enemy-ace · 16 Jul 2002, 10:58 (Ref:334854)

My guess is he'll sign with either Toyota or Jag. Hopefully Toyota, because as much as I would like to see Jaguar do well I'm afraid their problems run a little to deep.

f1manoz · 16 Jul 2002, 11:08 (Ref:334863)

Would like to see Wurz back in a competitive seat, more than anything to prove his doubters wrong from his Benetton days.

Sato san · 16 Jul 2002, 11:10 (Ref:334867)

If Wurz goes to Toyota , then that must means Dc staying at mclaren ??...i cant see Dc going to Jag .

Number Juan · 16 Jul 2002, 11:14 (Ref:334869)

yes, its gonna be one of those 97' seasons isn't it?! lots of silly moves well, one...Damon Hill going to Arrows instead of other teams.

enemy-ace · 16 Jul 2002, 11:16 (Ref:334871)

Quote:

Originally posted by f1manoz
Would like to see Wurz back in a competitive seat, more than anything to prove his doubters wrong from his Benetton days.

He certainly didn't get a fair shake his last season there, I'm still of the opinion that he was "Briatored".

Super Tourer · 16 Jul 2002, 16:15 (Ref:335095)

If Wurz does sign for Toyota, this must surely force Button into the arms of Jag, as Panis will now stay with BAR and Irvine probably go to Jordan at the request of B&H.

Certainly put's some of the jigsaw together......

Ralf's Girl · 16 Jul 2002, 17:37 (Ref:335140)

Wurz to Toyota as well? How many cars are Toyota planning to field next year?

EERO · 16 Jul 2002, 17:42 (Ref:335146)

Steph, it seems Heidfeld is staying at Sauber and McNish won't be renewed.

Ralf's Girl · 16 Jul 2002, 18:21 (Ref:335171)

If Sauber are as mediocre as they have been this season, that could be very bad for Heidfeld's career.

If McNish only gets one year in F1, that would be a terrible shame, as he has to be one of the drivers on the grid most deserving of a drive. But if there is a spare seat at Toyota next year, the question would be who it goes to - Button and Wurz look to be the most likely candidates, but it seems everyone without a contract for next year is being linked with Toyota, so somebody is bound to lose out!

kmchow · 16 Jul 2002, 19:07 (Ref:335219)

So how has Wurtz been keeping himself busy? Touring cars?

Sato san · 16 Jul 2002, 20:40 (Ref:335313)

Doing Sponsor functions for Mclaren knowing Ron Dennis.

Guy Goddard2 · 16 Jul 2002, 21:57 (Ref:335366)

Quote:

Originally posted by Super Tourer
If Wurz does sign for Toyota, this must surely force Button into the arms of Jag, as Panis will now stay with BAR and Irvine probably go to Jordan at the request of B&H.

Certainly put's some of the jigsaw together......

Intrested in your comment that B&H would request Irvine, for what reason, and why not go for Button who is cheaper and a better investment for the future and at present a better driver.

Regards

Guy

Mygale · 16 Jul 2002, 22:28 (Ref:335389)

Irvine will be forced to retire this year.
Why would Jordan want to sign him , after the last 2 seasons where he just hasnt been driving at 100 %. If a seat becomes vacant there , Jenson would be the better choice . Eddie is too slow and too old .

mac · 17 Jul 2002, 00:47 (Ref:335454)

I don't think Wurz is a particularly good move for Toyota. I doubt he will be much better than McNish. He hasn't been setting the track alight in testing with McLaren.

enemy-ace · 17 Jul 2002, 01:51 (Ref:335469)

Quote:

Originally posted by mac
He hasn't been setting the track alight in testing with McLaren.

From what I've seen posted as far as testing times are concerned he's been fastst on more than a few occasions. But truth be told testing is just that, testing. The casual observer can never really know what exactly each driver on a particular day is running, in regards to downforce, tire compounds, fuel load, etc..etc... Also from what I have read, Mclaren as a rule don't put in qualifying runs during testing. Why advertise their true pace.
Also from what has been reported, Mclaren have offered Wurz a rather lucrative 3yr. contract, so they must see his value.

Super Tourer · 17 Jul 2002, 06:44 (Ref:335536)

Quote:

Originally posted by Guy Goddard2

Intrested in your comment that B&H would request Irvine, for what reason, and why not go for Button who is cheaper and a better investment for the future and at present a better driver.

Regards

Guy

I think Irvine has the image that would fit into the B&H brand more. Being too clean cut doesn't really fit into the image of being a smoker, so Irv's lifestyle and outspoken nature would probably provide B&H with plenty of PR.

In terms of salary, I don't think there's much in it now. Irvine is not going to get anywhere near to what he has earned before. I would guess Jag have offered him half what he currently get's, and he won't get anymore anywhere else - so this puts Irv into the £2.5 - £3 million bracket - which is comparable or maybe even less than Button is seeking.

As for an investment for the future, I can't see Button seeing Jordan as a building block for the future. To step back from a works team, to a pure privateer team with likely customer engine's is a retrograde step, which is why he may have to bite on the bullet, move to Jag and try and re-build that team around him a la Schumacher style.

As for Jordan, I don't think any available driver would give Fizzi to much trouble, so a fairly fast pedaller would do the job, it may well suit Irvine, it's an immediate step up the grid (in theory!) and if he can shade Fizzi on occasion, it may enhance his slightly battered reputation.

f1manoz · 17 Jul 2002, 10:21 (Ref:335654)

Irvine has proved with some of his performances that the best thing he can do is retire. He certainly doesn't deserve a Jordan seat, and Sato's performances have improved of late, and if he can keep that up, he should keep the Jordan seat on merit next year, unless a more talented driver pops up.

NiceGuyEddie · 17 Jul 2002, 18:42 (Ref:335892)

The development of the R3 will prove Irvines abilities to get the job done. Or lack there off. He is just not on par with Delarosa. It could be a motivation-issue, but thats merely an explanation and certainly not a valid excuse.

Eddie was the loudest voice that called for the retirement of Damon Hill back in 1999.

So I wonder what is keeping him from doing the same.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What a good year- let's look back	Razor	Australasian Touring Cars.	1	19 Nov 2005 22:34
2005: The year ChampCar got back on track	Kicking-back	ChampCar World Series	42	17 Nov 2005 00:03
Which one of these deivers will come back toCART next year ??	Aus.CARTfan	ChampCar World Series	29	25 May 2003 08:19
Peugeot are back with Henri next year...	H16	Sportscar & GT Racing	5	4 Dec 2001 05:44
Good Year in Come Back	Crash and Burn	Formula One	4	10 Sep 2001 11:59