Timo Glock might yet come to regret his choice to pitch in his lot with F1 2010 newcomers Manor Grand Prix, opines the ever-outspoken Niki Lauda – as he claims the move only makes sense if it was the young German's 'only chance'.

It was announced yesterday (Tuesday) that the highly-rated Toyota refugee will join forces with John Booth's team as it makes its debut at the highest level next year [see separate story – click here], quashing speculation that the Lindenfels native is to partner ex BMW-Sauber star Robert Kubica at Renault instead, a scenario that had been presumed all-but a done deal.

If a move to Renault was a real possibility – and Glock insisted that he did have 'several options for 2010...some of them with more established teams', but preferred to 'be part of the process of building a team and play a key role in developing the car' – Lauda reckons the decision to link up with Manor was a misguided one, regardless of whether the Sheffield-based outfit soon morphs into Virgin F1 or not.

“I can only imagine that Manor was his only chance, otherwise the choice was a mistake,” the Austrian triple F1 World Champion told German publication Auto Bild. “Nobody can really judge which of the new teams can do a good job. I have therefore no idea why Glock did not see through his opportunities with Renault or the Sauber/Qadbak team.”