Timo Glock was at the official launch of the Virgin Racing team, alongside Richard Branson, Nick Wirth, Alex Tai (Team Principle) and John Booth at Notting Hill in London. Lucas di Grassi was confirmed as the second driver with Alvaro Parente and Luiz Razia as test drivers.
“The first time I came up to Virgin Racing, they told me they wanted to have me and no-one else. They were really, really pushing for me and that was a good feeling for me. I am looking forward to that experience of being a leading driver at Virgin Racing.”
Timo Glock
At the media event, both new drivers spoke, with a Timo Glock Q&A available on AUTOSPORT. Richard Branson also told the media that the team will operate under £40 million, becoming the lowest budgeted team in F1 next season.
And it appears a rivalry has started already, with Richard Branson and Tony Fernandes of Lotus both striking blows out of each other.
Virgin Racing’s prospect is now really starting to appeal to me and it is coming together very well. Alongside Timo will be Lucas di Grassi, a capable young Brazilian driver who certainly can drive. He will be an ideal teammate for Glock, someone to be the shadow of Glock, someone who can be taught by him as well.
A key concern is the possibility of a small budget. Is that amount really just enough, I am not too sure if it is enough. We will certainly see the progress of that as the 2010 season goes on.
