Glock to lead new Manor F1 team

Glock is the first confirmed driver with the new Manor team

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 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.

His team-mate will be the Brazilian rookie Lucas di Grassi, BBC Radio Sheffield has reported.

Glock, 27, said: "The team may be small and new but it has big ambitions and a very impressive car."

Although the deal has not been confirmed, Manor are expected to be sponsored by Virgin, and be re-named Virgin F1.

Glock missed the last three races of 2009 following a crash during qualifying for the Japan Grand Prix, but also secured two podium finishes during the season.

And Manor technical director Nick Wirth said he was delighted to have secured a driver with a proven F1 record having raced in 36 grands prix, scoring 51 points.

"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.

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"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.

"We just can't wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year."

Glock, who revealed 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.

"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."

Glock had been tipped as a potential team-mate for Robert Kubica at Renault.

But with the French company reviewing its involvement in the sport, he has decided to take a drive he can be sure of, even if it promises to be less competitive than Renault, should they make the grid.