Manor Grand Prix have unveiled their first driver for the 2010 season in the shape of 27-year-old German Timo Glock.
Glock who was left without and chance of continuing on his drive at Toyota after the Japanese manufacturers pulled out had been linked with a move to Renault among other teams.
“I had several options for 2010, some of them with more established teams,” said 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 [technical director] Nick Wirth, [team principal] 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.”
Team Principal Nick Wirth was pleased to acquire the services of the 2007 GP2 champion.
“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,” he said.
“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. Now we just can’t wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year.”
Lucas Di Grassi is pretty confident on taking the second seat at Manor GP saying: “My chances of landing a deal with team Manor are good,”
“They have a couple of guys they are looking at for next year, and I am one of them”