London, Nov 29: Austrian Alexander Wurz has ruled himself out of racing for the Jaguar Formula One team next year by opting to stay with McLaren as their official test and reserve driver. ''I have decided to stay with the McLaren Mercedes team as their third driver,'' Wurz said in a statement issued by McLaren yesterday.
''It is no secret that I have been on the shortlist for the second race seat at Jaguar racing,'' added the former Benetton driver.
''However, with team Mclaren Mercedes' 2004 testing programme having already begun I felt it necessary to take my future into my own hands so as to fully focus on the season's preparation.''
Jaguar came close to signing Wurz this year as a replacement for Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia but the Austrian's contractual situation meant that Briton Justin Wilson took the drive instead.
Wilson, who has a contract to the end of 2003, remains a candidate to stay and partner Australian Mark Webber but the team have this week been evaluating well-funded Austrian Christian Klien and American Townsend Bell.
Both drivers impressed the team and the Jaguar shortlist is likely to concentrate on them and Wilson, with Dutchman Jos Verstappen retaining an outside chance.
Germany's Nick Heidfeld, another strong candidate, is testing for Jordan next week after that team took out an option on his services.
Mercedes Motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug said McLaren understood Wurz's desire to return to full time racing but were happy he was staying to back up Finland's Kimi Raikkonen and Briton David Coulthard.
''The fact that he received offers from other teams clearly shows that he is seen as one of the drivers deserving a seat as a permanent Formula One racing driver,'' he said.
'' McLaren, as well as Mercedes-Benz, supported Alex in his plans to make his understandable wish come true. However, we all are very pleased that Alex has taken the decision to stay.
Bureau Report