Alexander Wurz will remain part of Toyota’s FIA World Endurance Championship operation in 2016 after taking on an advisory role.
Wurz announced ahead of the 6 Hours of Bahrain in November that he would be retiring from racing at the end of the season, bringing his four-season stint behind the wheel with Toyota to an end.
However, as well as continuing as the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, Wurz will also work with the Toyota team in the coming year as it bids to bounce back from a disappointing 2015 campaign.
“Toyota Gazoo Racing is proud to announce that Alex Wurz will take on a new role within its World Endurance Championship project,” a statement from the team read.
“Last month’s 6 Hours of Bahrain, in which Alex finished on the podium, was his final race behind the wheel. He will move into a new position as advisor and ambassador for the team.
“He will assist with driver and team development as well as promoting TOYOTA’s hybrid LMP1 technology at the race track and beyond. Already during his time as a driver with the team, Alex has made a substantial contribution in each of these areas.
“Alex will continue with various other activities, including his work in Formula 1, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, as well as his track design and driver training business.
“Today’s announcement extends Alex’s career at Toyota by at least two years and recognises the significant place he has in the team’s history.”
Wurz added: “I always intended that the end of my racing career would not be the end of my active involvement in motorsport, so I am pleased to start a new chapter in my life with Toyota.
“We have experienced a lot together since the beginning of this project and it is exciting to be part of the team’s future.
“With a new car coming in 2016 and the WEC going from strength to strength, there is a lot to be excited about as we fight to reclaim our place at the front.”
