Timo Glock, the former Toyota driver, will drive for Manor Grand Prix next season, the new Formula One team said yesterday.
Britain-based Manor, who have a strong pedigree in junior series, are one of at least four new teams due to enter the sport next season. “I had several options for 2010, some of them with more established teams,” the German driver said.
“Every driver has the same overall objective, to win the world championship one day, but the way I want to succeed is to be part of the process of building a team and to play a key role in developing the car.”
“This is why the opportunity with Manor Grand Prix is so exciting for me.”
The team will hold an official launch later this year, with former Brawn sponsor Virgin expected to come in as a major partner. The National
The Cosworth-powered Manor team are one of four new outfits joining the F1 grid next season, alongside Campos Meta, US F1 and Lotus.
“It might seem like a brave step, but there are many good reasons to join this team,” said Glock.
Glock revealed he was lured to Manor in part by the experience of the team’s technical director Nick Wirth, who previously worked for March and Benetton and headed up the Simtek team in the mid-1990s.
“Nick Wirth has a lot of race car design experience and a very good reputation. When Nick and his colleagues John Booth and Graeme Lowdon talked to me, we were on the same wavelength straight away.”
“They really wanted to have me on board to help develop the car.”
Glock scored two points on his grand prix debut for Jordan at the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix but had to wait a further four years to secure a full-time drive, when Toyota snapped him up following his victory in the 2007 GP2 Series. Daily Mail
And Manor technical director Nick Wirth said he was delighted to have secured a driver with a proven F1 record having raced in 36 grands prix, scoring 51 points.
“It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme,” he said.
“But to get a driver that has not only achieved podium finishes in 2009 but has such proven talent and the potential to take us forward for many years is very exciting.
“The fact that he has come and seen all aspects of the project before making his decision speaks volumes about what we have achieved so far.
“We just can’t wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year.” BBC Sport
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