Timo Glock has confirmed he is staying at Virgin for the 2011 Formula One season.
The 28-year-old German cut a frustrated figure at times this year as the team suffered a multitude of teething problems, most notably when, at the Australian Grand Prix, it was discovered the car’s fuel tank was not big enough to be able to complete the race.
That has led to speculation he would be leaving before next season - but he confirmed on Friday he would honour the second year of his two-year contract.
“I’m excited,” he told the team’s official website. “I am definitely driving for Virgin Racing. The Press Association
“I will drive for Virgin in 2011. There have been a lot of rumours about my departure, but there was never any question of that happening,” said Glock on his official website.
“Since the beginning I have had a long-term contract with the team and I said then that I was doing this to help build a team for the future,” he added.
“This is a great team of people who have given blood, sweat and tears to our first season. Some people haven’t seen that with their own eyes, like I have, so it’s easy to criticize or be cynical.” CNN International
Glock has previously stopped short of confirming he would stay with Virgin, and this week was quoted in a German newspaper saying he was “99.9% certain” he would stick with the team.
But on Friday he said: “[It was] extremely challenging and very hard work - for the whole team - 2010 was a tough test for us all but we survived and it was ultimately very rewarding for me.
“It is 100% certain that I am staying. I have a long-term contract with the team and I said then that I was doing this to help build a team for the future.
“I think everything we have learned this year we can take a very good step up next season.”
Di Grassi made his F1 debut with Virgin last season but the Brazilian’s place in the team remains uncertain after his lost his funding mid-season.
Jerome D’Ambrosio joined Virgin as a reserve in September and the team used some Friday first practice sessions to gauge his potential.
The Belgian was thought to be favourite for a race seat in 2011 but the team are yet to make their final decision, however, team principal John Booth said they hoped to do so before Christmas. BBC Sport
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