Toyota to retain Glock for 2009

Monday, 04 August 2008 00:00

Toyota is set to extend Timo Glock’s contract through to 2009 following the German's second place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Toyota’s team principal John Howett told autosport.com that the team will keep both Glock and Jarno Trulli at the Cologne-based squad next year.

Glock’s podium in Hungary was his second points finish of the year and has put Toyota four points clear of Renault in the battle for fourth place in the constructors’ championship.

While Howett was impressed with Glock's drive, he said the team had always planned to retain him for another year.

"As we stand here today we intend to keep both drivers, and I don't think that's ever been in any doubt to be honest,” he said.

"I'm just happy that he had a really strong race here.

“Jarno would have had a stronger race if he hadn't been caught behind Mark Webber because of a bad start.

“Overall I'm very happy we had a strong result today."

Glock has shown flashes of speed throughout the season but often failed to deliver at the crucial moment in qualifying.

In Hungary, by contrast, he was quick all weekend and his fifth-place qualifying effort was the springboard for his and the team's best result of the season.

"Certainly from the moment he drove out of the garage on Friday he has been on it all weekend," said Howett.

"If you really look at his sector times from qualifying earlier in the season, he was struggling to put a complete lap together but generally showing he had the speed to do it.

"He proved to himself in Hockenheim, particularly on race pace, how quick he was and the fact he had an issue and he just continued from that point this weekend."


Next Live F1 Video Action
Please download the latest Flash plug-in by clicking here!

Qualifying

Spa - Belgium
06 September 2008

Video exclusives

Video exclusives

Red Bull takes to the waves, Martin interviews Michael and more from Valencia

Valencia pit Babes

Valencia pit Babes

A new track means a brand new selection of women for you to check out in our gallery

On your mobile

On your mobile

Sign up for our F1 SMS alerts, or visit the mobile site any time for news & clips on the go