Glock to lead Manor GP

Timo Glock has been confirmed as Manor Grand Prix’s lead driver for their maiden Formula One campaign in 2010.

The 27-year-old German was a free agent following Toyota’s withdrawal from the sport earlier this month and has signed a two-year deal with the British team.

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.

“For me as a driver, for example, it was important that I was assured I would be involved in the development of the team and the car.”

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.

“The car is being designed by Nick Wirth. That was another argument in the team’s favour as far as I was concerned,” added Glock.

“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.

A 32-race career with Toyota brought Glock 49 championship points and three podiums, but his 2009 season was cut short after he suffered a cracked vertebra in a crash in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, forcing him out of the final three rounds.

Glock continued: “With a year left on the Toyota contract, we originally had other plans and were aiming to really compete for the World Championship with the team.

“Now, for obvious reasons, that is not going to happen.

“Ahead of me now is a great challenge. And I’m really looking forward to it.”

Glock’s manager Hans-Bernd Kamps added: “I think it’s great that Timo is taking on this challenge with Manor Grand Prix.

“I know the team will benefit from his commitment, determination and speed.”