Glock in at Shanghai as Jordan part with Pantano
The German, who has impressed for the team in Friday practice outings this year and scored two points on his debut in Canada, will take over from Giorgio Pantano, who has been forced out because of contractual issues.
Owner Eddie Jordan said: “It has been a pleasure working with Giorgio this year. However, contractual issues have made this unavoidable and we wish him every success in the future.
“Timo’s performance throughout the season as our third driver in testing and free practice has been first-class, particularly when he stood in and raced in Canada.
“I am confident in this unexpected call-up he will do a good job for Jordan again. In Shanghai he will be in the same boat as everyone else as the circuit is new for all the drivers.”
Glock’s debut in Canada earlier this year came after Pantano missed the race because of a management dispute that was subsequently settled. However, further problems relating to his deal with Jordan have meant the Italian’s contract has been terminated.
Although Glock is only confirmed to race in China, he is likely to compete for the team in the season-closing Japanese and Brazilian Grands Prix.
Glock has been strongly linked with a 2005 race deal with Jordan amid suggestions that one of his sponsors, Deutsche Post, will pay for the seat. The company is a former Jordan sponsor but left the team in 2002.
In the meantime, Dutchman Robert Doornbos has been handed the Jordan third driver role for the rest of the season.
He begins his duties in tomorrow’s practice for the Chinese Grand Prix.
Doornbos said: “To get this chance with Jordan is fantastic and although it’s late in the day and at circuits I have never visited, I am grabbing the opportunity with both hands and looking forward to my first F1 drive.”
Although Doornbos has never driven a Formula One car before, he qualifies for his mandatory F1 super-licence because he finished in the top three of this year’s F3000 championship, which was won by his Arden team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi.
Jordan said: “I’m very pleased we have been able to offer this unexpected opportunity to Robert. He has shown impressive form this season with Arden International, holding his own against a dominant team-mate.
“We are looking forward to having Doornbos on board with Jordan for his F1 debut.”
Elsewhere, Jenson Button will not know which Formula One team he will race for next season until next month after a hearing on the dispute was adjourned.
Button wants to leave BAR for Williams but both teams claim to have a deal with the British driver, who lies third in the drivers’ championship and is one of the sport’s hottest properties.
A meeting of the Contract Recognition Board, which settles contractual disputes in F1, concluded on Tuesday with the issue unresolved. Fresh talks were set for October 16 in Milan.
Button claims a row with BAR over bonuses and other disputes have led him to seek a contract get-out.
Button added he cannot wait to get to grips with Shanghai’s new Formula One track.
Button is one of the few drivers to have had first hand experience of the high-tech Shanghai International Circuit after lapping it in a road car.
The Chinese have invested millions in producing some of the best facilities on the calendar and Button believes that commitment should ensure an exciting weekend’s racing.
“I am looking forward to Shanghai as it is a special circuit. The commitment that has been put into building the new facilities, and also the circuit lay-out, are exceptional. I think the whole of Formula One is looking forward to racing there.
“It should make for good racing as there should be some good overtaking opportunities, which is important for Shanghai and Formula One.”
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