F1 star Timo Glock to drive for Manor Grand Prix: VOTE

GERMAN ace Timo Glock will lead Manor Grand Prix’s maiden assault on next year’s World Championship—and team principal John Booth is expected to name his partner in the next few weeks.

Manor—expected to be rebranded Virgin F1 before the wheels turn in anger next March in Bahrain—became the third of the Formula One newcomers to announce a driver for its debut campaign with the official confirmation that former Toyota driver Glock has agreed terms to lead the Dinnington outfit's challenge.

The news suggests that former Rotherham butcher Booth and his team are serious about their new endeavour.

Consistent and fast throughout his two seasons at Toyota the German notched up a trio of podiums and was a match for his rapid team-mate Jarno Trulli.

And 27-year-old Glock is delighted to be with Manor, despite warnings from Niki Lauda that he may be making a mistake.

Glock said: “I had several options for 2010. “Some were with more established teams but every driver has the same overall objective—to win the world championship one day.

“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 Grand Prix is so exciting for me.”