Wurz to join Peugeot for Spa race

The Austrian, who has not raced competitively since last year's Chinese Grand Prix, is one of eight former Formula One drivers the French manufacturer has signed for its three-car Le Mans 24 Hours assault in June.

Having already persuaded 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve to return to the Belgian GP venue, as preparation for his own Le Mans programme in the No.7 car, Peugeot had little trouble in convincing Honda F1's test and reserve driver to join him.

"Like most drivers, I love Spa," said Wurz. "The first time I saw the 908 I wanted to drive it. It looks great and I have been able to see for myself how consistently it has progressed each time I have tested it since the beginning of the year."

Wurz added that he had not been able to follow the first two races of the LMS, but said that he had been encouraged by the fact that Peugeot had won both.

"I was commentating on the Bahrain and Spanish Grands Prix for Austrian TV, so I couldn't follow the 908's runs at Barcelona and Monza, although I was on the internet to get the results as soon as I could," he said. "I was eager to see how the Peugeots would compare against the Audis, and I wasn't disappointed!"

Villeneuve is also looking forward to returning to Spa, despite having mixed memories of the track for his F1 days.

"The last time I raced at Spa was in 2005, so I'm not familiar with the new Bus Stop chicane," he said. "I have had some of my scariest moments at Spa following big accidents at Eau Rouge.

"Apart from that, it's a great circuit that suits the prototypes, and the racing benefits from the fact that it's easy to overtake. That said, following my experience of Le Mans last year, I feel there are too many GT2s and too many unpredictable drivers."

The Canadian added that he believes that 2008 version of the car was a significant improvement when he tested it in March: "The steering is much easier, there is more grip all-round and it is also more powerful.

"It's a very quick and nimble car, but physically demanding, especially through the fast corners," he added. "It might not make that much noise, but I can assure you that it's a real racing car which is very exciting to drive."