Marussia Virgin has just announced that Timo Glock has signed a long-term deal with the team.
It will take the German into the turbo era in 2014, although it’s believed that the final season is an option – a logical move given that the team has no firm engine deal for the new era.
Glock has made no secret of his frustration with the lack of progress this season, but says that the recent changes – including the deal with McLaren – have led him to have faith in the team’s future.
Nevertheless it’s perhaps surprising that he has committed even before the end of July, given that other opportunities might have opened up elsewhere.
“The past 18 months of racing have been quite tough, although this was always to be expected,” said Glock. “As a driver I knew I would have to go back a few steps in order to move forward. Now we have tasted the difficult times together I can’t wait to be with the team when we start to enjoy the good times. And I know they are coming.
“I’ve seen tremendous belief from Marussia and hard work and commitment across the whole team. With the additional steps we have taken – the technical partnership with McLaren and bringing the whole team together – I believe we can achieve our goals together.
“This year we’ve demonstrated that we know how to build a reliable car, and with the resources we now have we should be able to add to that a high-performing car. After that it’s all about gradual but significant steps forward.”
There is no news on Jerome D’Ambrosio, although the Belgian told his local media yesterday that he expects to stay. He is funded by the Genii Group, owners of Lotus Renault.
Adam Cooper F1 
It’s good of him to commit to a fledgling team, but on the other hand, he’s wasting his peak of his career, and I’d really like to see him in a decent car instead.
Will the Marussia Virgin be around through 2013?
I don’t know why Renault aren’t after Timo to replace Heidfeld.