Decorated multi-tier racer Alexander Wurz has been approached by Manor F1’s owner Stephen Fitzpatrick to become their new Team Principal for 2016, according to Motorsport.com.
Wurz, who retired earlier this week from motorsport after a career which included three Formula One podium finishes and two victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours, has been asked by Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick to take the role of team principal for 2016. Even though he did not ideally want this to be made public he still has not denied it.
With both Lowdown and Booth announcing their resignation from the team, Manor have been on a back foot and have managed to sign ex-McLaren man Dave Ryan to be their racing director.
Given the fact that when Wurz was a McLaren test driver in 2005, Ryan had been working there for around 30 years and the pair worked well together.
The Austrian had this to say after being approached by reporters: “I can confirm I was approached by Stephen, but I would rather not say anything else, I would have preferred it not be out in public, but I can’t deny it.”
“I think Stephen buying the team was a super smart move, and with Mercedes and Williams technical support, it shows a promising direction.”
If the Austrian does accept this offer he, with the help of Dave Ryan, could turn Manor into a points challenging team especially with the arrival of Mercedes engines for next year.
