11/10/2009
NEWS STORY
Panasonic Toyota Racing has announced that Timo Glock will not participate in the forthcoming Brazilian Grand Prix due to injuries he suffered in qualifying at Suzuka.
Glock was initially diagnosed with only a minor cut to his leg following his accident in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, but subsequent medical checks in Germany have revealed a cracked vertebra. Doctors have therefore ruled him out of next weekend's race.
Earlier today (Sunday) at the Motor Sports Japan festival, it was announced that third driver Kamui Kobayashi will replace Glock at Interlagos. Kobayashi took part in Friday practice at Suzuka while the German recovered from illness and acquitted himself well despite difficult conditions.
President John Howett said: "Obviously everyone in the team is very disappointed and feels for Timo; we wish him a very speedy recovery. Based on the initial diagnosis, we fully expected Timo to return in Brazil but unfortunately a different injury has been revealed which prevents that. He will remain in Germany to recover and we hope he can recuperate in time for Abu Dhabi, although at this stage the situation is not clear.
"Kamui was the natural choice to step in and he proved in Suzuka that he is capable of holding his own. It is a difficult task for him but he knows the team will give him its complete support and we know he is motivated to make the most of this unexpected opportunity."