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Manor signs Timo Glock for 2010

Timo Glock has signed for Manor © Sutton Images

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Timo Glock will head Manor's driver line-up in 2010 as the all-new team continues preparations for its debut year in Formula One. After two years at Toyota, Glock had been linked to a drive alongside Robert Kubica at Renault but is now expected to be the no.1 at Manor.

"I had several options for 2010, some of them with more established teams," he said. "Every driver has the same overall objective - to win the world championship one day - but 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."

Glock has been hired on the back of his experience with Toyota and is hoping to lead Manor's development programme next year.

"The team may be small and new but it has big ambitions and a very impressive car and development programme," said Glock. "I am confident that I can play a big role in terms of my technical input and that's a fantastic opportunity for me. I can't wait to start testing the new car early next year."

Technical director Nick Wirth was pleased with his new signing and said having an established name driving for Manor is proof of the team's early progress.

"It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme," said Wirth. "The fact that he has come and seen all aspects of the project before making his decision speaks volumes about what we have achieved so far.

"Progress on our new car continues to be very encouraging. The first fully-finished monocoque was completed a week ago, and we've been crash testing all areas of the car since May. I think we'll have the bulk of the official FIA tests done by Christmas, bang on our schedule."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.