Oct.7 (GMM) Austrian formula one veteran Alex Wurz is likely to retire as a race driver after the Brazilian grand prix later this month.

The news was revealed on BBC Radio Five Live following Sunday's Chinese grand prix, amid existing rumours that the 33-year-old might revert to test driving next year or even a non-driving consultancy role at the Grove based team.

Wurz, having returned to the grid this year after six straight years as a tester for McLaren and Williams respectively, has struggled to match the pace of his teammate Nico Rosberg.

Wurz entered formula one amid much promise in 1997, initially taking over the ill Gerhard Berger's Benetton seat and staying at the Enstone squad for three more years.

The BBC reported that Wurz made the decision to stop racing at the end of 2007 after the Canadian grand prix in June, where he finished third.

"I think Alex has had his best days in F1 and he has probably made the right decision," said long time F1 journalist Maurice Hamilton.

Wurz was asked about the retirement rumours by reporters in Shanghai, but he apologised and pointed to an agreement with Sir Frank Williams to keep quiet for a bit longer.