By alley - Nov 16, 2015, 2:01 AM ET

F1: Manor insists no new team principal signed yet

Manor Formula 1 team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick has confirmed he has not yet offered anyone the role of team principal.

Speculation over the course of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend suggested two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner and ex-F1 driver Alexander Wurz had been singled out for the role. Fitzpatrick confirmed talks with Wurz had taken place but insisted there were a number of names in the frame to help lead the team into 2016.

"We have spoken to a number of people about senior roles within the team," Fitzpatrick said. "I have met Alex several times, but to clarify recent speculation we have not offered anyone the role of team principal."

Wurz announced his retirement from motorsport at the conclusion of the World Endurance Championship in Bahrain next week. The 41-year-old Austrian will continue in his current role as Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman.

Manor has a vacancy in its top role after John Booth and Graeme Lowdon announced their decision to leave the team they brought into F1 once the flag drops on the final race of the current season in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 29. The team has already

hired ex-McLaren man Dave Ryan

as its new racing director.

Originally on Autosport.com