I could have raced for Prost, says Wurz.

McLaren test driver Alexander Wurz has revealed that the Prost-Acer team offered him Gaston Mazzacane's seat before ex-Jaguar driver Luciano Burti.

The Austrian said: "As it was reported in the media, I had an offer from the Prost team to race in Imola. Together with McLaren we decided to turn down the offer, so I could concentrate fully on my role with McLaren. I made my new plans at the end of the last season and I am convinced they are right for me."

Wurz hopes that by taking a year out he will be able to do what former McLaren test driver Olivier Panis did last year - resurrect his career after a dismal time in an uncompetitive car.