McLaren won't block Wurz deal

Alexander Wurz has been handed a massive boost in his hopes of landing Jaguar's second race seat next season, with McLaren telling him it will not stand in his way if he can pull off a deal

Nov 5, 2003, 10:57 AM

Sources close to McLaren have revealed to AUTOSPORT that although the Austrian has two years left to run on his testing contract, the team will release him if Jaguar wants to sign him.

"I am in a luxury position," said Wurz. "Teams are approaching me, making offers. This is what a driver hopes for. Jaguar has me at the top of their list and McLaren wants to keep me as test driver."

McLaren's reluctance to let Wurz go earlier this year scuppered a possible switch to Jaguar as a replacement for Antonio Pizzonia at the Spanish Grand Prix.

It is understood that the team has only given Wurz a limited period of time to complete his negotiations with Jaguar. Energy drinks giant Red Bull is still pushing for Christian Klien to take a race seat with the team, but Wurz is also known to carry sponsorship.