13/11/2010
NEWS STORY
Mat Coch writes:
Virgin Racing has all but confirmed Timo Glock for 2011 season... in the most unusual manner.
A run of the mill press call with team boss John Booth was turned on its head when, midway through the session, the Englishman called out across the crowded room to ask Timo who he was driving for next season. "Virgin" was the instant response from the German.
Impressive in his first season with the team, Glock has achieved all the targets set for him without making waves. It's an approach appreciated by the team as they themselves learn the ropes.
"I don't think he's ever stepped in the car and not given 100%, and Timo's 100% is pretty impressive," says Booth. "I've always rated him but to actually work with him you get to see how good he is."
Joining Virgin after Toyota announced their withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2009, Glock knew he faced a difficult season as the new team came to terms with Formula One.
"He knew it from day one," says Booth. "We never tried to pull the wool over his eyes, he wanted to be a part of what we were building. He wanted to be part of that building process, and it must have seemed like the foundations were pretty shaky in the first six months but I think he sees now that we're making good progress."
So new was the team that even Booth, a veteran in the motor sport industry, felt out of place during the early part of the season. "At the first (team principals) meeting in Bernie's office in Malaysia I felt like we didn't belong" he admits. "We weren't an F1 team, we didn't deserve to be there and I didn't deserve to be in that office. I think by now I feel that we're accepted and deserve to be here."
With Timo all but confirmed the team is still undecided on who will fill the second seat, though current driver Lucas di Grassi remains a possibility. Citing qualifying, Booth believes that while a strong and promising driver, di Grassi still has a tough road ahead if he is to establish himself in Formula One.
"Today was a perfect example; he made way for Heidfeld when he was on a hot lap, he felt he had to move over for him but he didn't need to. They were both on flying laps, it's up to Heidfeld to sort himself out. So I think he's done himself no favours in those situations, probably being a bit too polite being."
Despite that, Booth remains happy with both drivers attitudes during the teams maiden season, stating that while there may have been times they've experienced frustration and disappointment; "they've never shouted or thrown a tantrum. They've been very professional all year."