Former F1 racer and two-time Le Mans winner Alexander Wurz says he has turned down Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick’s offer to become team principal at the small British outfit.

Manor is currently undergoing a major management overhaul with team principal John Booth and sporting director Graeme Lowdon both resigning, while former McLaren man Dave Ryan has been appointed as racing director.

Wurz has announced that he will retire from motor racing after this weekend’s World Endurance Championship season finale in Bahrain. The 41-year-old Austrian, who remains a chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, claimed in his statement that he had “lots of projects on the go”. These evidently do not include being at the helm of the Banbury-based outfit.

“After a period of consideration, I have informed Stephen Fitzpatrick that I have taken the decision not to make myself available to Manor.” Wurz told BBC Sport.

The Beeb reports that Martin Whitmarsh was also considered as a suitable candidate but the former McLaren team boss, who is now serving as CEO of the Ben Ainslie Racing America's Cup team, declined the offer as well.

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Julien Billiotte

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