Wurz Offered McLaren Contract Extension

Austrian Alexander Wurz has revealed that he has been offered a new three-year contract to remain as test driver with the McLaren-Mercedes team.

Wurz said on Tuesday that he was in talks with three teams but revealed to Austrian newspaper Kronenzeitung on Wednesday that one of the options available to him is a three-year extension at McLaren.

"I am negotiating with three teams, two of which have promised me a driving seat," Wurz was quoted as saying in Kronenzeitung. "But McLaren have offered me a three-year contract as a test driver, pushing the money side of things as well."

Wurz joined McLaren as a test driver in 2001 after being ditched by Benetton and remained in the role this season despite the retirement of Mika Hakkinen. But he admitted that his main goal is to return to competitive Grand Prix racing and said that a decision on his future should be made after this weekend's French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours.

"Competing in races is certainly the utmost goal," he added. "I need to make decisions quickly so I can concentrate on my current job and plan ahead. A decision must be made following Magny-Cours at the latest."