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[irons_4_ever]

The new Manor Grand Prix team have signed the German Timo Glock as their lead driver for their debut season in Formula 1 in 2010.
Glock, 27, has raced for Toyota for the last two seasons but was on the market after the Japanese company pulled out of F1 at the end of the season.
Glock has agreed to a two-year deal, with the option of another season.
He missed the last three races of the 2009 season following a crash during qualifying for the Japan Grand Prix.
Manor technical director Nick Wirth said he was delighted that Glock had chosen to sign for the team.
"It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme," he said.
"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 revealed that he had several options for the 2010 season, 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."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsp ... 363770.stm

Good to see another team getting some drivers

[Jabberwocky]

I think it is a good move for Glock as I think he needs a team built around him if you look at his past to get the best from himself.

[McLaren]

Yeah he's another of the drivers where you wonder just what he could do given the right equipment.Good luck to him

[f1ea]

I hope Manor can deliver some decent results, as Glock is a really good driver. I think he deserves a little bit better than a possible back marker, but given the situation, i think its good that at least he has a well deserved seat for next yr...

[Rusko]

bit of a suprise one for me, i thought he may have ended up somewhere a bit more established. but you never know it might work out really well for him. all we need now is kobayashi to be confirmed somewhere.

[headless]

He said he had other established drives in talks with him.
But he wanted to build success with these.
I'd have gone for established team, myself.

[Jabberwocky]

but Glock can vuild the team around him and established team is going to have some quirks in it

[cap-dude]

When poised with the decision. Manor or Renault. I think most drivers would opt for Renault. A team with a proven track record. So why Manor. Does this imply that Renault are poised to drop out of F1 soon? We can only hope not.

It seems the other Manor seat will also go Lucas Di Grassi. Di Grassi and Glock had a good battle for the 2007 GP2 championship. Funny to see them end up in the same team.

It also leaves a seat free at Renault. Could they keep Grosjean for another year. Personally I think that would be a good idea. Grosjean and Kubica are similarly aggressive drivers. A car could be built to suit both drivers, which would no doubt work well. Then again, there is Kovalinen who appears to be without a seat. He's been quiet lately to say the very least.

[Jensonb]

but Glock can vuild the team around him and established team is going to have some quirks in it

True, but it's still a gamble.

[headless]

but Glock can vuild the team around him and established team is going to have some quirks in it

True, but it's still a gamble.

Yep, I'd have gone to Rebnault

[scotty]

I hope the car is decent, cause i'd hate to see his career and/or reputation ruined because of this move - he's a very good driver.

[Jabberwocky]

maybe Kimi has the Renault seat

[imaduck]

maybe Kimi has the Renault seat

I'm not sure renault would be willing to pay.
especially after all the drop-out talk.

I imagine Glock wouldn't have wanted to be in a team on the brink of dropping out again.
Good move i think, with virgin backing, funds should be stable enough for a decent future.

[Rusko]

i think he knows something we don't about renault. if that turns out to be the case then it's kubica i feel sorry for.

[racechick]

i think he knows something we don't about renault. if that turns out to be the case then it's kubica i feel sorry for.

Maybe he doubts how long they'll stay, maybe he doesnt want to go upagainst Kubica. I know Briatore has gone, but renault have been strongly behind one driver and Kubica is the sort of personality to insist on that..may even have it written in. maybe Glock prefers to grow with a new team than play second fiddle.