Wurz looks forward to McLaren challenge

The Benetton refugee replaces Olivier Panis, who is moving to become Jacques Villeneuve's team mate at BAR.

"I am extremely enthusiastic about the challenge and the opportunities offered by becoming part of the West McLaren Mercedes team," said Wurz. "It is a strong career move and I look forward to being a contributing factor to the team's success."

The Austrian is believed to have signed his deal several weeks ago, but McLaren delayed making an announcement until Ricardo Zonta, a former Mercedes protégé and another driver in the frame as Woking's tester, had confirmed his Jordan test seat for 2001.

McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh said of the team's latest third driver: "The benefits we have gained this season by having an additional experienced Formula 1 driver to carry out testing duties have been phenomenal. We are pleased to be able to continue this process by employing Alexander Wurz and are happy that we can finally reveal our driver line-up for the 2001 season."


Wurz lost his seat at Benetton to young Briton Jenson Button after the worst season of his four-year career. He has collected just two championship points from his fifth place finish in Italy last month, compared to the 18 of team mate Giancarlo Fisichella.