Wurz and Whitmarsh say no to Manor boss role

Nov.19 (GMM) Alex Wurz and Martin Whitmarsh have each denied suggestions they might be set to succeed John Booth as Manor's new team boss.

The British backmarker has already replaced the departing Graeme Lowdon with former 'lie-gate' protagonist Dave Ryan, amid reports ex-Williams driver and current GPDA president Wurz had been identified as the favourite to succeed Booth.

But Austrian Wurz, who is contesting his last motor race in Bahrain this weekend as the world endurance championship concludes, told the BBC: "After a period of consideration, I have informed (owner) Stephen Fitzpatrick that I have taken the decision not to make myself available to Manor."

Another name linked with the job has been Whitmarsh, an experienced former team principal who worked closely alongside Ryan at McLaren.

Whitmarsh, now involved with the management of an America's Cup team, admitted to having contact with Manor but insisted: "I do not intend to become team principal at Manor."

He said he will "definitely say no" if Fitzpatrick asks him explicitly to lead the team in the post-Booth era.