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A much under-rated driver, Timo Glock is a member of an elite club of drivers who have scored points on their F1 debut. Driving for new boys Manor Grand Prix in 2010, Glock will have to use every ounce of his talent and experience to help the new squad develop a winning car.

A relatively late starter to the sport, Glock only began racing at 15, but enjoyed instant success, winning numerous karting championships before moving onto Formula BMW. In 2002 he joined the highly competitive German F3 championship, and finishing third in his debut season, the best rookie. 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 the race eleventh but was eventually promoted to seventh after the disqualification of Toyota and Williams. He finished 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 for the Champ Car series, where he finished eighth overall, winning 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. However, his season will be mostly remembered for the Brazilian Grand Prix, when he failed to fight off Hamilton's attacks, letting him pass to take the final point he needed to become world champion.

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 injuries were a deep cut to his leg, further investigation revealed a cracked vertebra which ruled him out for the rest of the season.

After Toyota announced their immediate withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2009 Glock's future initially looked bleak. Although he was linked to the second Renault seat, on November 17 new team Manor Grand Prix announced that they had secured his services as lead driver.

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. Although he will relish the opportunity of developing a new car with Manor in 2010, the combination is unlikely to give him the podiums he so desperately needs.

Career High
Winning the prestigious 2007 GP2 championship

Career Low
A heavy qualifying crash in Japan 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.

Claire Furnell November 2009