Alex Wurz © Williams/LATphoto
Former Formula 1 driver, Alex Wurz, has returned to Williams for 2012 as a driver mentor for the team. Wurz drove for Williams in 2007, alongside German driver Nico Rosberg. The Austrian also drove for Benetton and McLaren in his 11-year career in Formula 1.
Alexander Wurz has now returned to Williams F1, this time as a driver mentor to their current drivers’ Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna and Valtteri Bottas. He will begin his duties tomorrow when the second pre-season test gets underway at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.
In efforts to bring Williams back to the sharp end of the grid, Wurz’s role within the team complements that of Michael Johnson, who joined the Williams team to try and improve their pit-stop times.
“This is a great initiative by Williams and highlights just how hard the team is pushing to optimize its performance.” Commented Alexander Wurz on his return to the team, “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.”
“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.” Added Chief Operations Engineer, Mark Gillan.
Williams will begin the second pre-season test tomorrow as Bruno Senna takes to the track first, before handing over to reserve driver Valtteri Bottas the following day.
