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Often under-rated, Timo Glock is a member of an elite club of drivers who scored points on their F1 debut. Driving for new boys Virgin in 2010, Glock led the team admirably but couldn't make up for its numerous shortcomings and the team finished 11th in the constructors'.

A relatively late starter, Glock only began racing at 15 but enjoyed instant success, winning numerous karting championships before moving onto Formula BMW. In 2002 he joined the competitive German F3 championship and finished third in his debut season - the best of the rookies. His move to the F3 Euroseries was less successful and even with three wins and three further podium finishes he could only manage fifth in the 2003 season.

In 2004 he signed as a test driver for Jordan and made his F1 debut in Canada when regular driver Giorgio Pantano had contract disputes with the team. Glock finished a solid eleventh but was eventually promoted to seventh after the disqualification of Toyota and Williams. He returned to the Jordan race seat for the final three rounds of the season, all be it with far less success.

Unable to find an F1 seat for 2005, he moved to the US and drove in the Champ Car series, where he finished eighth overall and won the Rookie of the Year award. At the end of the season he headed back to Europe to join the GP2 grid with the BCN team, and despite an underperforming car, he did well. When the opportunity came mid-season to join top team iSport, he really showed his true potential and finished fourth in the standings. He remained with the team for the 2007 season, taking the title alongside fulfilling testing duties for BMW Sauber.

He was the man in demand for the 2008 season and was linked with numerous teams, eventually choosing Toyota. He enjoyed a good season, his best result coming in Hungary when he fought off stiff competition from Kimi Raikkonen to finish second.

After a mixed season in 2009, his year came to a premature halt after a heavy crash in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. Although it was initially thought that his only injury was a deep cut to his leg, further investigation revealed a cracked vertebra which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

When Toyota announced their immediate withdrawal at the end of 2009, Glock's future initially looked bleak. However, he quickly signed a deal with new team Virgin and has committed himself to seeing it rise up the grid. The first season was far from perfect - it started without a fuel tank large enough to last a race distance - and things barely improved in 2011 in terms of competitiveness.

Under the Marussia name in 2012 the team started to show signs of improvement, but after three years at the team Glock agreed to leave the outfit in early 2013 despite having a contract. The team cited "tough economic conditions" as one of the contributing factors.

Strengths and Weaknesses Although a mature and confident driver, Glock has yet to make his name as a race winner despite delivering some superb qualifying performances.

Career High
Winning the prestigious 2007 GP2 championship

Career Low
A heavy qualifying crash at the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix left him with injuries that ruled him out for the final three races of the season

Quotes
"From track to track my motivation doesn't really change; I always give my all and do my very best to get a strong result for the team. Every race is important so if you're not giving 100% you are not doing your job properly."

"I underestimated Timo Glock in his first full season in 2008 and he matured into a strong F1 driver. He has shown he can keep his head under pressure and deliver the goods. Glock raises this game when it counts; he's got confidence and sets his car up well." Martin Brundle

Trivia
Glock gets himself ready for races by listening to Guns N' Roses.