Jan.10 (GMM) F1 race and test veteran Alex Wurz will be Honda's test and reserve driver in 2008.

The 33-year-old Austrian, who stepped down at Williams late last season, is considered as perhaps the best development driver in the sport.

In a statement, the Japanese team said Wurz, plus racers Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button, form "the most experienced driver line-up currently competing in formula one".

Wurz will attend all the races in 2008, Honda revealed, and will kick off his new role with a test in the 2007-spec RA107 on 22 January at Valencia.

"Alex has 11 years of top level experience in the sport and this depth and breadth of knowledge will prove invaluable to us as we aim to make Honda a competitive force in 2008," said Honda's new team principal, Ross Brawn.