JANUARY 21, 2013

Timo Glock leaves Marussia

The Marussia Formula One team has confirmed that driver Timo Glock is to leave the team before the 2013 season.

Glock joined the team at it's inception in 2010, and had extended his contract through 2014, but the two parties have agreed to part ways.

Team Principal John Booth said, "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 10th place in the Constructors™ Championship. Timo is a fantastic driver and he has been a very popular member of the Team."

œOur 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 ongoing 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, Formula 1 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."

œWe will provide an update regarding the completion of our driver line-up in due course.

Glock said, "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 Formula 1 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."

Glock will be testing a Mercedes DTM car in the following weeks, while Marussia is thought to be looking for a second pay driver to partner rookie Max Chilton.