Wurz delighted to return to racing

"My natural habitat is racing, so I couldn't be happier to have received Williams' vote of confidence for this job next season," said Wurz, who was the team's third driver in 2006.

"Of course I know the team well having been a part of the race programme at every Grand Prix this season, but now my role takes on additional responsibility and I am really looking forward to this."

Wurz has been a test and reserve driver with McLaren and Williams since the 2001 season, having last raced in the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix when he replaced the injured Juan Pablo Montoya.

"Alex brings us important technical continuity and understanding of the car and as well as being an excellent communicator with our engineers, he is ultra-competitive during the Friday 'full tank' practice sessions," said team boss Frank Williams.

"Alex will be a great racing driver for us as he is one of the few men I have seen in a wheel banging confrontation with Michael Schumacher and come out on top."

Williams, who will switch from Cosworth to Toyota engines next season, will line up Wurz alongside German Nico Rosberg, who made his Grand Prix debut this year.

Today's announcement means Australian Mark Webber will leave Williams after two years with the team.

"Retaining Nico for next year was not a tough decision," added Williams. "He has shown great promise so far in his debut season and I know he will build on this with every race.

"As much as taking great pleasure in confirming Alex and Nico for next season, I must also commend Mark Webber for his contribution to the team over the past two seasons as he has been a credit to himself and Williams and has never let up in his pursuit of competitive success.

"I know Mark will give his all until the end of the season and we wish him well in his future arrangements."

Following the announcement, Webber looks increasingly likely to land the second Renault seat next year.