Wurz returns to 'natural habitat'

Alex Wurz claims he is returning to his “natural habitat” after claiming a surprise return to racing with Williams next season.

The Austrian, whose racing career appeared to have fizzled put at Benetton several seasons ago, will replace Mark Webber at Williams next season.

Australian Webber has performed well this season – including twice being denied podiums due to reliability problems – but it is believed Williams could not afford to retain him.

That has given test driver Wurz an unexpected chance next season and he is keen to grasp the opportunity.

He said: “My natural habitat is racing, so I couldn’t be happier to have received Williams’ vote of confidence for this job next season.

“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.”

Webber is now installed among the favourites to land the vacant seat alongside Giancarlo Fisichella at world champions Renault next season.

He has out-performed rookie Nico Rosberg – who retains his Williams seat, and team boss Sir Frank Williams praised his efforts in under-performing cars over the past two seasons.

He said: “Retaining Nico for next year was not a tough decision. 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.

“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.”

Rookie Rosberg has impressed at times but also suffered more than his fair share of accidents, so he was pleased to approach this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix with a new contract safely in the bag.

He added: “Stability and continuity are very important for me in the early stages of my Formula One career, so I am really pleased that we are now set for next year and that I will continue to work with Alex.

“I have learnt a lot from the team and I hope I have contributed my fair share too, but now we have the basis to step it up for the remainder of this season and next.”