The move, whereby WilliamsF1 has signed Alexander Wurz as its test and reserve driver, has taken Planet Paddock, and sections of the media totally by surprise.

In recent months, following the 'loss' of 'partner' BMW and sponsor HP, there has been speculation, particularly on internet forums, that the Grove team was on a slippery slope and that, the nine time Constructors Championship winners might be going the way of Jordan, Prost and Minardi. Utter nonsense of course.

Following the loss of BMW, and its financial and technical input, the Grove team has had to reinvent itself, to a certain extent, but then, much like its (sometime) ally at Woking, it has had to do this quite a few times over the years.

Having spoken to the team, it's a fact that WilliamsF1 is paying Wurz for his services, and therefore the whole thing about the former champions having to follow Minardi and Midland's example, by signing a pay (third) driver, can be put to rest.

Earlier this year, at San Marino, the Austrian racer demonstrated that he still has the fire, and knowing that he's waiting on the sub's bench, will light a fire underneath the derrieres of both Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg - which in itself is a shrewd move.

Furthermore, let's not forget that in successive years, Renault, BAR and McLaren have made superb use of the Friday testing rule, and with a driver of Wurz' calibre on board, there is no reason why the Grove team - providing the Cosworth lives up to expectations and the aero boys do their job - that WilliamsF1, cannot quickly re-establish itself, despite its 'independent' stance.

The signing of Wurz almost certainly ends Narain Karthikeyan's hopes of a test role with a leading team in 2006, as it is highly unlikely that WilliamsF1 will need four drivers.

All in all, a brilliant move by the guys at Grove, and good news for F1, as the sport needs teams like WilliamsF1, and, more importantly, needs them to be competitive.