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Wurz to Continue Testing Job with Honda

With everybody trying to secure a racing seat in Formula 1 for the upcoming season, there are plenty of drivers very happy with a test-driving job inside the Great Circle. One of those drivers is certainly Honda's Alexander Wurz, who confirmed he will be staying with Ross Brawn's team for another season of testing.

“I had already signed the contract (including 2009) last year,” Austrian broadcaster ORF quoted Wurz as saying shortly after the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Austrian was expected to either continue his testing job with the Japanese manufacturer throughout 2009 or leave the sport after 2008, as a future return to Formula 1 racing is out of the question.

Wurz officially quit F1 racing at the end of 2007. The Austrian's experience in Formula 1 is closely connected to Benetton Renault (1997 testing and 1998 through 2000 race driver) and McLaren Mercedes (2001 through 2005, only as test driver). He started no less than 69 races inside the Great Circle, scoring 3 podiums and an overall 45 points. He also retired 22 times.

While securing their test driving spot for 2009, Honda are still to name their two racing drivers for next season. The Japanese manufacturer is still waiting for an official statement from 2-time champion Fernando Alonso concerning his future F1 team before finally announcing the 2009 lineup.

Also in pole position for securing a drive with Honda for 2009 is GP2 runner-up Bruno Senna. The Brazilian was confirmed for a testing session with the Brackley-based team later this month at Barcelona and is believed to benefit from financial backing from Brazilian oil company Petrobras.

In spite of all these options, Rubens Barrichello still has a shot of keeping his racing seat with the Japanese manufacturer next season, should Alonso continue his collaboration with Renault and Senna sign a deal with Toro Rosso instead (as he is also due to test for the Scuderia later this year). An official statement from Honda concerning their 2009 drivers' lineup will most likely be released after the Barcelona test on November 17-19th.
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