Manor signs Glock for debut season
Glock signed with Manor for two years
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Tuesday, 17, Nov 2009 09:35
By Adam Leveridge
The new Manor Grand Prix team has signed former Toyota star Timo Glock as their number one driver for their debut season in formula one in 2010.
Glock, 27, has raced with Toyota for the past two years but lost his seat when the Japanese car manufacturer pulled the plug on it's F1 programme at the end of the season.
He missed the final three races of the year when he was injured in a high-speed crash during qualifying for the Japanese grand prix at Suzuka and was replaced by former GP2 Asia champion Kamui Kobayashi.
Glock suffered a leg wound and cracked vertebra in the accident.
Manor GP technical director Nick Wirth said he is delighted to have Glock on board.
"It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme," said Wirth.
"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 and we just can't wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year."
Glock, who was originally believed to make the switch to Renault alongside Robert Kubica, added: "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 is so exciting for me.
"The team may be small and new but it has big ambitions and a very impressive car and development programme.
"I am confident that I can play a big role in terms of my technical input and that's a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to start testing the new car early next year."
Glock's Toyota team-mate Jarno Trulli is expected to sign a deal with the new Malaysian-backed Lotus team.