Wurz confirms immediate retirement

LONDON, England -- Williams driver Alex Wurz has confirmed his retirement from Formula One with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old Austrian will therefore miss the final race of the season in Brazil on October 21, with his team set to make an announcement on his replacement on Tuesday.

Wurz secured a race seat at the Williams team at the start of 2007 having spent several years as test driver for McLaren.

His best result was third place at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, and he came fourth at the rain-hit European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring one month later.

However, he failed to consistently match the pace of team-mate Nico Rosberg and confirmed his departure from Williams -- citing a lack of motivation.

"I would today like to announce my retirement from active racing in Formula One," Wurz said in a statement.

"In such a hard-fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing then it is time to stop.

"Privately I began to have these thoughts earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement.

"Racing this season has been a real pleasure, especially securing the podium in Canada -- which was pretty sweet, along with a number of other strong races -- but now it is time to call it a day.

"I'd like to thank the team for accepting my decision and I wish them all the best for the last race of the year."

Team chief Frank Williams added: "Alex has made an invaluable contribution to the team for the past two years, first as one of the best test and development drivers the team has ever worked with, and more recently as a race driver.

"This season Alex has had some very strong drives in difficult circumstances, and we would like to thank him for all he has contributed.

"Alex is well known, immensely popular and widely regarded as one of Formula One's gentlemen. I am sure I speak for everyone in the paddock when I wish Alex and his family the very best for the future."

Wurz made his F1 debut with Benetton at the 1997 Canadian Grand Prix and claimed his first podium in only his third race at that season's British Grand Prix. He went on to compete in 69 races, scoring 45 points. E-mail to a friend