Timo Glock has admitted that his exit from the Marussia team has come as something of a surprise, but insists that he is already looking forward to the next step in his career.
The 30-year old German parted company with Marussia on an amicable basis when it became apparent that the current economic climate would make it difficult for the team to keep him on. Marussia has already signed Max Chilton to its second seat, and is expected to hire a similarly well-funded driver to partner the British rookie.
Reports in German publication
Sport Bild over the weekend hinted at development in Banbury, and also linked Glock to a return to the
BMW fold in the DTM. The former front row starter, a feat he achieved during his time with
Toyota in F1, has not confirmed his options, but admits that he is looking forward rather than back.
“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 F1 world championship,” he commented in a statement issued by Marussia on Monday [21 January]. 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."
Marussia has also said that it expects to announce Glock's replacement 'in due course', but the rumour mill has already started to speculate that the likes of Vitaly Petrov and
Sebastien Buemi could provide an experience, and well-heeled, head to partner Chilton. Other candidates are likely to include Luiz Razia – who expressed his surprise at Chilton's hiring following his own talks with the team – Jaime Alguersuari, Bruno Senna, Davide Valsecchi and Kamui Kobayashi.
Having been commiserated by a handful of rivals, Glock took to
Twitter to respond to them.
“Thanks a lot for that message - that means a lot to me!” he tweeted at Mark Webber, “That's the way of F1 at the moment hope it will change again soon because, like this, it has nothing to do with sport! Now it's up to you guys to make things clear in drivers' meetings…”