Timo Glock has made a shock exit from Formula 1, as he
parted ways with back markers Marussia.
The German joined Formula 1 in 2004, stepping in to a vacant
seat mid-season at Jordan. He returned to GP2 after a race seat failed to
accumulate, but joined the F1 fray again with Toyota in 2008. When the team
left the sport at the end of 2009, he moved to back markers Marussia where he
has helped to push and develop the relatively new team.
The 30-year old had previously spoke openly about staying with the team beyond 2013, but confirmed the news of his departure through a statement from
Marussia on Monday (21st January) saying “I have had three excellent
years with the Marussia F1 team, during which I had the chance to actively
participate in building and developing the team in its endeavours to succeed
within the F1 world championship, I would like to wish the Team good luck in
navigating this next period and thank everyone for the great times we shared
and the support I have received.
“Although it is not the path I expected to be taking, I am
in fact very excited about what the future holds in terms of my own career and
I hope to comment on that very soon."
He followed the statement up with a tweet, saying "That's
the way of F1 at the moment hope it will change again soon because like this it
has nothing to do with sport!"
Marussia have already signed British rookie Max Chilton, and
will be looking for a similarly well-funded but possibly more experienced
driver to replace the popular Glock.
Team principal John Booth thanked Timo for his hard work and
determination in a race seat that could have been demotivating, but also said
the economic climate and money obsessed world of F1 contributed to the “mutual”
departure.
“Timo has made a very significant contribution to our team
over the past three seasons, helping us to develop our package to the point
where, for a large proportion of the 2012 season, we were holding tenth place
in the constructors' championship,” Booth revealed, “He is a fantastic driver
and he has been a very popular member of the team.”
“Our team was founded on the principle of benefiting from
proven experience whilst also providing opportunities for young emerging talent
to progress to the pinnacle of motorsport. Thus far, this philosophy has also
been reflected in our commercial model.
“The on-going challenges facing the industry mean that we
have had to take steps to secure our long-term future. Tough economic
conditions prevail and the commercial landscape is difficult for everyone, F1
teams included.
“We would like to thank Timo for working with us to reach
this decision, especially as he had a valid contract, and also for the
contribution he has made to our team. We wish him all the best for his future
and I would like to congratulate the next team acquiring the services of such a
competitive, professional and experienced racer.
“We will provide an update regarding the completion of our
driver line-up in due course.”
Marussia lost huge amounts of money when 10th in
the constructors was cruelly snatched away from them at the final round of
2012. Looking at 2013, they are confident that with the limited resources they
can continue with the upward progression that was evident at the end of 2012.
Possible replacements for Glock include Russia’s Vitaly
Petrov, Bruno Senna, Kamui Kobayashi and Sebastien Buemi.
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