RBR releases Wirdheim

The Swede was contracted to the end of December and had expected to test for the team in Spain this week and in December, but a statement issued by RBR says that his deal has been ended with immediate effect by mutual agreement.

Wirdheim recently tested for Champ Car team PKV Racing at Barber Motorsports Park in the USA and is thought to be working on deals to join fellow former F3000 champions Sebastien Bourdais, Justin Wilson and Bruno Junqueira in the Champ Car series in 2005.

RBR is currently running at Barcelona with 2004 Jaguar race driver Christian Klien and Red Bull protege and 2004 F3000 Champion Vitantonio Liuzzi.

The team statement indicates that it wants to use the current session at Barcelona and those at Jerez in December to evaluate drivers for 2005, and it is now clear that Wirdheim is not in the frame.

RBR managing director Dave Pitchforth commented: "I would like to thank Bjorn for all of his help and support for the team over the last year, and wish him the best of luck in the future."