Glock’s check not big enough for Marussia, moves to DTM

UPDATE #2 Marussia Team Principal John Booth has hinted that the current economic climate played a role in Timo Glock's departure ahead of the 2013 Formula 1 campaign, with the German leaving the outfit on amicable terms after three seasons onboard most likely because his sponsor's check was not big enough.

Having missed out on tenth place in the 2012 Constructors' standings, Marussia is set to receive a lower share of television revenues this year, with the money split based on a team's overall position, so they need a ride buyer who brings a bigger check.

"Timo has made a very significant contribution to our team over the past three seasons, helping us to develop our package to the point where, for a large proportion of the 2012 season, we were holding 10th place in the Constructors’ championship," Booth said on Monday morning. "Timo is a fantastic driver and he has been a very popular member of the team.

"Our team was founded on the principle of benefiting from proven experience whilst also providing opportunities for young emerging talent to progress to the pinnacle of motorsport. Thus far, this philosophy has also been reflected in our commercial model. The ongoing challenges facing the industry mean that we have had to take steps to secure our long-term future. Tough economic conditions prevail and the commercial landscape is difficult for everyone, Formula 1 teams included."

"We would like to thank Timo for working with us to reach this decision, especially as he had a valid contract, and also for the contribution he has made to our team," Booth said of Glock, who has been linked with a move to the DTM series. "We wish him all the best for his future and I would like to congratulate the next team acquiring the services of such a competitive, professional and experienced racer."

01/21/13 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's announcement.

Timo Glock

01/20/13 (GMM) Timo Glock looks set to leave Marussia, and probably formula one.

After leaving Toyota in the wake of the Japanese giant's F1 exit, the now 30-year-old German has been Marussia's lead driver since the former Virgin team's 2010 inception.

Sport Bild, a German publication, reports that Glock and Marussia have now agreed to split, despite the existence of a contract for 2013 and 2014.

The report said the news will be made official on Monday, with Glock to be quoted as saying: "I have had three great years with the team. We depart amicably.

"Now I want to meet new challenges and continue my path in motor sport."

The reason for Glock's split is almost certainly financial, with the well-funded British rookie Max Chilton already signed up to drive one of the cars in 2013.

Marussia is yet to comment.

But the mass-circulation Bild newspaper said Marussia "desperately needs money", meaning Glock's cockpit "must be sold to a pay-driver".

That report said the replacement for Glock, who earned about EUR 2 million per season, will have to pay "at least five million" to be Chilton's new teammate.

Britain's Telegraph newspaper mentioned Vitaly Petrov or Sebastien Buemi as potential candidates.

And Belgium's RTL named Jerome d'Ambrosio, the Eric Boullier-managed 2012 Lotus reserve who in 2011 was Glock's teammate at Virgin, as a possibility.

Swiss newspaper Blick wrote: "The biggest mystery is what Glock will do now? Is he suddenly on Force India's list?"

Auto Motor und Sport said he is in the running to race for BMW in Germany's premier touring car championship DTM in 2013.

BMW-contracted driver Dirk Muller said to Glock on Twitter late on Sunday: "Many congrats and welcome in the club".

Glock responded: "Ppssss … danke".