Williams has countered suggestions that its 2012 line-up lacks experience by engaging Alex Wurz in the role of driver mentor.
The Austrian – who raced for the team in 2007 and worked with Mike Coughlan at McLaren – will start working with Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado at this week’s Barcelona test.
“This is a great initiative by Williams and highlights just how hard the team is pushing to optimise its performance,” said Wurz. “Throughout my career as a sportsman, which started at the age of 12 in BMX racing, includes over a decade in Formula One and is still ongoing (racing in the World Endurance Championship), I am lucky to have gained so much experience.
“I grew up in a family business of driver training and naturally I enjoy helping fellow athletes to operate at their best. I’m really looking forward to using my expertise to help Williams at this important stage in its history.”
Chief Operations Engineer Mark Gillan commented, “I am delighted to be working once more with Alex and look forward to his valuable input with the drivers as the whole team strives to continuously improve in all aspects of its operation.”
Adam Cooper F1 
No world championships, No race wins. I think three 3rd place finishes. Just the kind of guy you want as a mentor if you’re aiming for the top.
This must be about as motivating for the drivers as JYS trying to teach Jan Magnussen (his incumbent F1 driver) to drive around Oulton Park in a Ford Focus.