Germany's Timo Glock will lead the Manor Grand Prix team into their debut Formula One season in 2010, after agreeing a deal with the rookie team. Manor is only the second of four new teams to confirm one of their drivers for next season, as the driver market continues to get unraveled. Glock's deal is reportedly for two years, with an option for a third.
The announcement comes just weeks before the team is due to unveil its sponsorship programme, which will confirm the involvement of Virgin, and the changing of the team name to Virgin F1.
With 36 race starts under his belt, Glock combines experience with youth, and arrives at Manor following to mediocre seasons at Toyota. Even before the car giant pulled out of F1, Timo was on the prowl for another race seat, and was reportedly deep in discussions with Renault before deciding to take the Manor route.
“I had several options for 2010, some of them with more established teams,” confirmed Glock. “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. I have spent a lot of time with Nick Wirth, John Booth and other members of the team and what I liked most is that this a real racing team run by true racers.
“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. I can't wait to start testing the new car early next year.”
Manor's technical director Nick Wirth was delighted to welcome Glock on-board. “I'm absolutely delighted that Timo has chosen to drive for our team,” said Wirth.
“It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme, 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.”
Wirth also revealed the progress on their debut F1 car is 'very encouraging', and that the first monocoque has already been completed. “Progress on our new car continues to be very encouraging,” he continued.
“The first fully-finished monocoque was completed a week ago, and we've been crash testing all areas of the car since May. I think we'll have the bulk of the official FIA tests done by Christmas, bang on our schedule. Now we just can't wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year.”
Glock's confirmation brings to ten the number of drivers with seats on the 2010 grid. Although his team-mate has not yet been confirmed, Renault test driver Lucas Di Grassi and Irish A1GP champion Adam Carroll are rumoured to be the favourites for the second seat. You can look at the 2010 line-up as it stands here.