Alex Wurz returns to Formula 1 with Williams

Williams F1 confirmed today that Alex Wurz has joined the team as a driver mentor and will assist race drivers, Pastor Maldonado and new recruit Bruno Senna make the most of the improved Williams-Renault FW34-01. Wurz last raced for the Williams F1 team in 2007.

Alex competed in F1 for 10 seasons until 2007, thereafter he performed a testing role with Brawn GP in 2009 and has been a Formula 1 consultant and TV expert, whilst competing for Peugeot in the International Le Mans Cup Series before the marque pulled out at the beginning of this year. In 2012 he will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

Alex will start his duties with Willams F1 at this week’s Barcelona test, before accompanying the team to races this season.

Complementing Williams F1’s recent engagement with olympic athlete Michael Johnson to improve pitstop performance, Alex’s appointment will see the team draw upon his 18 years’ experience as a race driver, 11 of which he competed in Formula One, to support its efforts in returning to the front of the grid.

On his new role, Alex said, “This is a great initiative by Williams and highlights just how hard the team is pushing to optimise its performance. Throughout my career as a sportsman, which started at the age of 12 in BMX racing, includes over a decade in Formula One and is still ongoing (racing in the World Endurance Championship), I am lucky to have gained so much experience. I grew up in a family business of driver training and naturally I enjoy helping fellow athletes to operate at their best. I’m really looking forward to using my expertise to help Williams at this important stage in its history.”

Mark Gillan, Chief Operations Engineer at Williams F1, commented, “I am delighted to be working once more with Alex and look forward to his valuable input with the drivers as the whole team strives to continuously improve in all aspects of its operation.”