F1: Marussia Follows The Money As Glock Departs

Formula 1

F1: Marussia Follows The Money As Glock Departs

Timo Glock out at Marussia...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted January 21, 2013 Balen (BEL)

Timo Glock has not yet announced his plans for the 2013 season. (Photo: Getty Images)

As predicted yesterday Marussia formally confirmed this morning that Timo Glock has left the team by “mutual consent.”

Economic realities mean that the team has to take a driver with funding rather than continue paying Glock’s salary for a fourth season.

Glock is pursuing a future in the DTM and will presumably get a chance to test at Valencia this week.

The name of his replacement at Marussia was not announced today as negotiations are still ongoing. Obvious names in the frame include the likes of Bruno Senna and Luis Razia. Despite his nationality Vitaly Petrov is not thought to be a favorite.

In what was called a joint statement from driver and team, 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.

“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 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.

“We will provide an update regarding the completion of our driver line-up in due course.”

Meanwhile 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 endeavors 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.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 28th season as a racing journalist in 2012. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.