Official: Timo Glock and Marussia part ways by mutual consent

After Timo Glock revealed to Sport Bild his amicable separation from Marussia, the Anglo-Russian team confirmed, through a statement, the German driver’s departure by mutual consent: Timo has made a very significant contribution to our team over the past three seasons, helping us develop to the point of holding tenth place in the constructors’ standings for a large part of the 2012 season. Timo is a fantastic driver and has been a very popular member of the team, reacted John Booth, director of the Marussia F1 Team.

For his part, Timo Glock indicates having spent three excellent years with the Marussia team, during which he had the chance to actively participate in the construction and development of the team in its quest to succeed in Formula 1. The German, who hopes to soon share more about his future, probably in DTM, nonetheless encourages the Banbury team at the dawn of the season. I’d like to wish the team good luck for the future and thank everyone for the great moments shared and for the support I received. Although this is not the path I expected to take, I am actually very excited about what the future holds for me and hope to talk about it soon.

Voluntary, Timo Glock’s departure seems to truly stem from mutual interest, as the German opens new career opportunities outside Formula 1, where the horizon now appears blocked, while Marussia will likely save on Timo Glock’s salary in a challenging economic context marked by the recent failure of the HRT project in Formula 1. John Booth thus acknowledges that this mutually agreed separation may help the team secure its future in the top category: « Our team was founded on the principle of benefiting from proven experience [of a driver] while providing opportunities for young talents to progress in the pinnacle of motorsport. So far, this philosophy was also reflected in our business model. The challenges faced by the industry mean that we must take steps to ensure our long-term future. […] We would like to thank Timo for working with us to make this decision while he had a valid contract and also for what he has contributed to our team. We wish him all the best for his future and I would like to congratulate the next team that acquires the services of such a competitive, professional, and experienced driver. »

John Booth also indicates that a decision will be announced in due time regarding the succession of the German, but it seems evident today that bringing in a budget will be one of the sine qua non conditions. The departure of Timo Glock and the slim chances of Heikki Kovalainen continuing the adventure with Caterham confirm, in any case, a change of mentality within the small teams. After three seasons of activity, they seem to have become aware of the real difficulties involved in competing at this level. After hiring highly-rated drivers at their beginnings, which was a sign of ambition that is now far too high, these structures are now primarily seeking to secure their future by counting on young prospects, who are richly endowed.