The new Virgin Racing team’s plans for a driver development programme have taken a major step forward with news that team principal John Booth is also launching a GP3 team for 2010. The Manor Racing GP3 squad will share race shop facilities with the Virgin Formula One team and its best driver will earn an F1 test.
GP3 is a new single-seater racing category making its debut this season as a feeder series for the GP2 Series. It will run alongside the GP2 championship with the inaugural race scheduled for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in May.
Prior to entering Formula One under the Virgin name, Booth and his Manor Motorsport organisation achieved great success in other junior series such as Formula Three and Formula Renault and played a major role in the development of several driving greats, including Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton.
“Manor GP3 is a terrific opportunity for potential stars of the future to climb the Virgin Racing ladder,” commented Booth. “Our objective has been to achieve a budget for the series that is not only extremely competitive, but which also offers our drivers the added benefit of the Manor driver development blueprint and integration with the F1 team.
“In addition to receiving fantastic support from our highly experienced race team professionals, Manor GP3 will occupy the same race shop facilities as the Virgin Racing F1 team, have access to the simulator programme operated by Wirth Research, and run in support of European rounds of the 2010 Formula One calendar. The icing on the cake is the fantastic prize of an F1 test with Virgin Racing for the most successful Manor GP3 driver.”
The GP3 cars are a standardised, all-new Dallara chassis combined with a 280bhp Renault engine and with a six-speed longitudinal sequential Hewland gearbox. Pirelli will supply tyres to the series and GP2 supplier Brembo will manufacture brakes.
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Showing posts with label Manor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manor. Show all posts
Friday, 15 January 2010
Monday, 14 December 2009
Lloyds invests in Manor F1 team
The private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group has taken a stake in the new Manor Formula 1 team, which will run under the Virgin Racing banner.
The Financial Times reported that LDC has made a £10 million investment in the company and believes that the current cost reduction programmes in F1 make the world championship an attractive business proposition.
"It's a new era in Formula 1," LDC director Carl Wormbald told the FT. "There is a resource restriction but the revenue is the same. There is also a degree of stability."
Manor founder John Booth welcomed LDC's involvement.
"The banks have had their share of bad publicity but it is great to see them investing in a young company like this that is creating jobs," he said.
Virgin is set to announce its partnership with Manor in an event in London tomorrow. The team has already signed Timo Glock as its lead driver, with Lucas di Grassi tipped for the second seat.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Manor team entered under Virgin title
Richard Branson's Virgin organisation is set to have its own Formula 1 team next year, as the FIA's latest 2010 entry list revealed that Manor GP would run under the Virgin Racing title.
The paddock rumour mill has long hinted that Virgin would be Manor's title backer.
According to the entry list, the team will be known as Virgin Racing, with its cars entered as Virgin-Cosworths.
The Virgin brand has been linked with an F1 entry for many years, and was mooted as a potential buyer when Honda put its F1 operation up for sale last winter.
Ultimately Branson's company was merely a sponsor of what became the Brawn team, and despite initial suggestions that this was a precursor to a bigger involvement, it became clear during the summer that Virgin was heading for a major role in the Manor project instead.
Manor has its roots in the highly successful Formula 3 team run by Englishman John Booth, and will run out of premises in Yorkshire.
Its cars will be provided by Wirth Research, the company formed by sometime Simtek and Benetton designer Nick Wirth, who was also responsible for the Acura sportscars that have raced in America in recent years.
Former Toyota driver Timo Glock has already committed to Virgin, with Renault test driver Lucas di Grassi linked to the second seat.
The paddock rumour mill has long hinted that Virgin would be Manor's title backer.
According to the entry list, the team will be known as Virgin Racing, with its cars entered as Virgin-Cosworths.
The Virgin brand has been linked with an F1 entry for many years, and was mooted as a potential buyer when Honda put its F1 operation up for sale last winter.
Ultimately Branson's company was merely a sponsor of what became the Brawn team, and despite initial suggestions that this was a precursor to a bigger involvement, it became clear during the summer that Virgin was heading for a major role in the Manor project instead.
Manor has its roots in the highly successful Formula 3 team run by Englishman John Booth, and will run out of premises in Yorkshire.
Its cars will be provided by Wirth Research, the company formed by sometime Simtek and Benetton designer Nick Wirth, who was also responsible for the Acura sportscars that have raced in America in recent years.
Former Toyota driver Timo Glock has already committed to Virgin, with Renault test driver Lucas di Grassi linked to the second seat.
Manor to run under Virgin Racing title
The Manor Grand Prix team will run under the Virgin Racing name in 2010, according to the latest entry list issued by the FIA today.
Richard Branson's company entered Formula 1 as a sponsor of the Brawn team this year, but has long been linked with a larger role with Manor. The FIA document confirms that this will be the case, although an official announcement from Virgin is still awaited.
John Booth's squad will use chassis created by former Simtek and Benetton designer Nick Wirth's Wirth Research company, which designed the Acura LMP cars. Timo Glock has been signed as Virgin's first driver.
The other news confirmed by the FIA's entry list was that Red Bull Racing will continue with Renault engines. The team had been linked with a switch to Mercedes power earlier in the year.
But the entry list did not resolve the issue of the 13th entry. The Sauber team is hoping to get back into the field now that Toyota had pulled out of F1 - having previously committed to the new Concorde Agreement - but the FIA said it could not make an announcement about this situation yet.
"Toyota Motorsport GmbH remains formally bound by the Concorde Agreement to put forward a team for participation, though it has indicated that it will not be in a position to do so," said a statement from the governing body. "An announcement will be made regarding this entry in due course."
Champion team Brawn GP remains listed under its 2009 name on the entry, but the FIA noted that it "has indicated its intention to change its team name to Mercedes Grand Prix prior to the start of the 2010 season" following its purchase by the Germany company.
No Driver Entrant Constructor
1 Jenson BUTTON (GB) VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES McLAREN MERCEDES
2 Lewis HAMILTON (GB) VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES McLAREN MERCEDES
3 Nico ROSBERG (D) BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM BRAWN MERCEDES
4 TBA BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM BRAWN MERCEDES
5 Sebastian VETTEL (D) RED BULL RACING RED BULL RENAULT
6 Mark WEBBER (AUS) RED BULL RACING RED BULL RENAULT
7 Felipe MASSA (BR) SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO FERRARI
8 Fernando ALONSO (E) SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO FERRARI
9 Rubens BARRICHELLO (BR) AT&T WILLIAMS WILLIAMS COSWORTH
10 Nico HULKENBERG (D) AT&T WILLIAMS WILLIAMS COSWORTH
11 Robert KUBICA (PL) RENAULT F1 TEAM RENAULT
12 TBA RENAULT F1 TEAM RENAULT
14 Adrian SUTIL (D) FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM FORCE INDIA MERCEDES
15 Vitantonio LIUZZI (I) FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM FORCE INDIA MERCEDES
16 Sebastien BUEMI (CH) SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO STR FERRARI
17 TBA SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO STR FERRARI
18 TBA LOTUS F1 RACING LOTUS COSWORTH
19 TBA LOTUS F1 RACING LOTUS COSWORTH
20 TBA CAMPOS META 1 CAMPOS DALLARA
21 Bruno SENNA (BR) CAMPOS META 1 CAMPOS DALLARA
22 TBA US F1 TEAM US F1 COSWORTH
23 TBA US F1 TEAM US F1 COSWORTH
24 Timo GLOCK (D) VIRGIN RACING VIRGIN COSWORTH
25 TBA VIRGIN RACING VIRGIN COSWORTH
Richard Branson's company entered Formula 1 as a sponsor of the Brawn team this year, but has long been linked with a larger role with Manor. The FIA document confirms that this will be the case, although an official announcement from Virgin is still awaited.
John Booth's squad will use chassis created by former Simtek and Benetton designer Nick Wirth's Wirth Research company, which designed the Acura LMP cars. Timo Glock has been signed as Virgin's first driver.
The other news confirmed by the FIA's entry list was that Red Bull Racing will continue with Renault engines. The team had been linked with a switch to Mercedes power earlier in the year.
But the entry list did not resolve the issue of the 13th entry. The Sauber team is hoping to get back into the field now that Toyota had pulled out of F1 - having previously committed to the new Concorde Agreement - but the FIA said it could not make an announcement about this situation yet.
"Toyota Motorsport GmbH remains formally bound by the Concorde Agreement to put forward a team for participation, though it has indicated that it will not be in a position to do so," said a statement from the governing body. "An announcement will be made regarding this entry in due course."
Champion team Brawn GP remains listed under its 2009 name on the entry, but the FIA noted that it "has indicated its intention to change its team name to Mercedes Grand Prix prior to the start of the 2010 season" following its purchase by the Germany company.
No Driver Entrant Constructor
1 Jenson BUTTON (GB) VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES McLAREN MERCEDES
2 Lewis HAMILTON (GB) VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES McLAREN MERCEDES
3 Nico ROSBERG (D) BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM BRAWN MERCEDES
4 TBA BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM BRAWN MERCEDES
5 Sebastian VETTEL (D) RED BULL RACING RED BULL RENAULT
6 Mark WEBBER (AUS) RED BULL RACING RED BULL RENAULT
7 Felipe MASSA (BR) SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO FERRARI
8 Fernando ALONSO (E) SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO FERRARI
9 Rubens BARRICHELLO (BR) AT&T WILLIAMS WILLIAMS COSWORTH
10 Nico HULKENBERG (D) AT&T WILLIAMS WILLIAMS COSWORTH
11 Robert KUBICA (PL) RENAULT F1 TEAM RENAULT
12 TBA RENAULT F1 TEAM RENAULT
14 Adrian SUTIL (D) FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM FORCE INDIA MERCEDES
15 Vitantonio LIUZZI (I) FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM FORCE INDIA MERCEDES
16 Sebastien BUEMI (CH) SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO STR FERRARI
17 TBA SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO STR FERRARI
18 TBA LOTUS F1 RACING LOTUS COSWORTH
19 TBA LOTUS F1 RACING LOTUS COSWORTH
20 TBA CAMPOS META 1 CAMPOS DALLARA
21 Bruno SENNA (BR) CAMPOS META 1 CAMPOS DALLARA
22 TBA US F1 TEAM US F1 COSWORTH
23 TBA US F1 TEAM US F1 COSWORTH
24 Timo GLOCK (D) VIRGIN RACING VIRGIN COSWORTH
25 TBA VIRGIN RACING VIRGIN COSWORTH
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Lotus, Manor get FOTA membership
The Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) has approved the membership applications of the Lotus and Manor teams, AUTOSPORT can reveal, meaning the organisation now features every team on the grid.
FOTA's executive committee met earlier this week for its latest discussions about the future of F1, and on the agenda was the ratification of the applications of the two new F1 teams.
Sources have confirmed that both Lotus and Manor's membership was approved unanimously, meaning that the outfits follow fellow new entrants Campos Meta and Team US F1 into the organisation.
The move means that FOTA is now made up of 14 teams - with Toyota still members for now despite its pull-out - and significantly it is the first time since Williams was temporarily suspended in May that the body features every team on the grid.
FOTA's executive committee also confirmed that elections for new chairmen will take place next month, with the mandate of both current chief Luca di Montezemolo, plus vice-chairman John Howett, coming to a finish at the end of the year.
Work is also continuing on plans for a common car launch next year, which the teams are considering doing prior to the first official test of the season in February.
It is understood FOTA representatives met with Bernie Ecclestone and F1 shareholders CVC following this week's meeting to discuss the concept - which is being considered to help reduce costs further.
The issue of the final grid slot was also discussed at the meeting, but there is unlikely to be any final decision about what happens with either Toyota or BMW-Sauber until after the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council meetings that take place in Monaco early next month.
FOTA's executive committee met earlier this week for its latest discussions about the future of F1, and on the agenda was the ratification of the applications of the two new F1 teams.
Sources have confirmed that both Lotus and Manor's membership was approved unanimously, meaning that the outfits follow fellow new entrants Campos Meta and Team US F1 into the organisation.
The move means that FOTA is now made up of 14 teams - with Toyota still members for now despite its pull-out - and significantly it is the first time since Williams was temporarily suspended in May that the body features every team on the grid.
FOTA's executive committee also confirmed that elections for new chairmen will take place next month, with the mandate of both current chief Luca di Montezemolo, plus vice-chairman John Howett, coming to a finish at the end of the year.
Work is also continuing on plans for a common car launch next year, which the teams are considering doing prior to the first official test of the season in February.
It is understood FOTA representatives met with Bernie Ecclestone and F1 shareholders CVC following this week's meeting to discuss the concept - which is being considered to help reduce costs further.
The issue of the final grid slot was also discussed at the meeting, but there is unlikely to be any final decision about what happens with either Toyota or BMW-Sauber until after the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council meetings that take place in Monaco early next month.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Manor boss positive about F1's future
The end of the manufacturer era and the arrival of more independents in Formula 1 is proof that the sport is heading to the future in good shape, reckons incoming team boss John Booth.
Although the decisions by Toyota and BMW to leave F1 this year prompted fears about the state of grand prix racing, Manor Grand Prix chief Booth says he is far from concerned about what state the sport is in.
"I think that for the long term health of F1 there had to be change," he said at the Macau Grand Prix, where he is taking part in his last race prior to next year's Bahrain season opener. "The budgets that the manufacturers were spending were unsustainable - and were obscene, if I can use that word.
"Funnily enough, I was watching on the plane over here a documentary on Stirling Moss, and it was fascinating how you had the independent teams back then. Someone would buy a car from a manufacturer and run it themselves, and it was great. It will never be the same again, but it is heading that way again."
He added: "It was only six months ago that FOTA was almost a manufacturers' club, but now it is going to be in control of independents. And now you have to call McLaren an independent as well."
Booth believes that there is enough impetus from the teams, and newly elected FIA president Jean Todt, to bring down costs that will make the sport sustainable for non-manufacturer teams.
"I think some things that Jean Todt has said, it sounds like he wants to encourage cost restriction," he explained. "With the majority of teams now being independents, we have every chance of pushing that to the targets that have been set for 2012."
Booth has said Manor GP is ahead of target with its preparations for next year, and it is expected to confirm its commercial tie-up with Virgin within the next fortnight.
"I think we are all a little bit in front of where we hoped to be," said Booth. "The start-up [of the car] is scheduled for January 24. The shakedown is on January 29. That side is the calmest area of all, which is incredible. Nick and the guys at Wirth have done an incredible job."
On the driver front, Booth says the arrival of Timo Glock has been a big boost because of the valuable F1 experience he has.
"The wonderful thing about Timo was that he came over to meet everybody and it was not hours and hours of negotiation and selling to him what we could do," he said. "He just bought into the concept straightaway - and made his decision almost immediately.
"We had to finalise contracts and things, but he liked what he saw and wanted to be part of it. So somebody of his experience and quality, wanting to be part of it, not just an employee, is great. He wanted to build a team around him is as he put it. It is a fantastic boost for Timo to believe in us like he does.
"It is massive for us. Massive. Throughout the seat fitting, which we are doing at the moment, his knowledge even now is helping us plan for the first test."
Lucas di Grassi is expected to get the second seat at the team, with a decision expected within the next fortnight. Booth admitted that the Brazilian would be a good addition.
"Lucas would be great for a number of reasons," he explained. "He is an ex-Manor driver anyway. He won here in Macau for us. It would be great for us to have Lucas, and he has F1 testing experience as well in F1. Somebody like Lucas would be perfect."
And Booth admits that the team is keeping its ambitions in check for next year – with it well aware of how tough it will be to challenge more established outfits.
"Our target, as all the new teams are saying, is to be the best of the new teams," he said. "That is what we are aiming for. But my ambition is to go out there, perform professionally, and earn the respect of our peers – as you are not given respect, you have to earn it.
"We want to conduct ourselves in the correct way. If we get to the end of next year having performed professionally and done a good job then I will be happy."
When asked if he felt there would be two tiers in F1 next year – with the new teams behind the more established outfits, he said: "I think realistically the gap won't close for three years.
"That is our time frame to start to become competitive. There are some very bright guys in F1, the Adrian Neweys and the Ross Brawns – and you think what they have achieved. They are the benchmark that you have to aspire to. If you think you are going to come in and be competitive in one season, you are kidding yourself."
Although the decisions by Toyota and BMW to leave F1 this year prompted fears about the state of grand prix racing, Manor Grand Prix chief Booth says he is far from concerned about what state the sport is in.
"I think that for the long term health of F1 there had to be change," he said at the Macau Grand Prix, where he is taking part in his last race prior to next year's Bahrain season opener. "The budgets that the manufacturers were spending were unsustainable - and were obscene, if I can use that word.
"Funnily enough, I was watching on the plane over here a documentary on Stirling Moss, and it was fascinating how you had the independent teams back then. Someone would buy a car from a manufacturer and run it themselves, and it was great. It will never be the same again, but it is heading that way again."
He added: "It was only six months ago that FOTA was almost a manufacturers' club, but now it is going to be in control of independents. And now you have to call McLaren an independent as well."
Booth believes that there is enough impetus from the teams, and newly elected FIA president Jean Todt, to bring down costs that will make the sport sustainable for non-manufacturer teams.
"I think some things that Jean Todt has said, it sounds like he wants to encourage cost restriction," he explained. "With the majority of teams now being independents, we have every chance of pushing that to the targets that have been set for 2012."
Booth has said Manor GP is ahead of target with its preparations for next year, and it is expected to confirm its commercial tie-up with Virgin within the next fortnight.
"I think we are all a little bit in front of where we hoped to be," said Booth. "The start-up [of the car] is scheduled for January 24. The shakedown is on January 29. That side is the calmest area of all, which is incredible. Nick and the guys at Wirth have done an incredible job."
On the driver front, Booth says the arrival of Timo Glock has been a big boost because of the valuable F1 experience he has.
"The wonderful thing about Timo was that he came over to meet everybody and it was not hours and hours of negotiation and selling to him what we could do," he said. "He just bought into the concept straightaway - and made his decision almost immediately.
"We had to finalise contracts and things, but he liked what he saw and wanted to be part of it. So somebody of his experience and quality, wanting to be part of it, not just an employee, is great. He wanted to build a team around him is as he put it. It is a fantastic boost for Timo to believe in us like he does.
"It is massive for us. Massive. Throughout the seat fitting, which we are doing at the moment, his knowledge even now is helping us plan for the first test."
Lucas di Grassi is expected to get the second seat at the team, with a decision expected within the next fortnight. Booth admitted that the Brazilian would be a good addition.
"Lucas would be great for a number of reasons," he explained. "He is an ex-Manor driver anyway. He won here in Macau for us. It would be great for us to have Lucas, and he has F1 testing experience as well in F1. Somebody like Lucas would be perfect."
And Booth admits that the team is keeping its ambitions in check for next year – with it well aware of how tough it will be to challenge more established outfits.
"Our target, as all the new teams are saying, is to be the best of the new teams," he said. "That is what we are aiming for. But my ambition is to go out there, perform professionally, and earn the respect of our peers – as you are not given respect, you have to earn it.
"We want to conduct ourselves in the correct way. If we get to the end of next year having performed professionally and done a good job then I will be happy."
When asked if he felt there would be two tiers in F1 next year – with the new teams behind the more established outfits, he said: "I think realistically the gap won't close for three years.
"That is our time frame to start to become competitive. There are some very bright guys in F1, the Adrian Neweys and the Ross Brawns – and you think what they have achieved. They are the benchmark that you have to aspire to. If you think you are going to come in and be competitive in one season, you are kidding yourself."
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Glock joins Manor for 2010
Timo Glock has been announced as Manor Grand Prix's first driver for its maiden Formula 1 World Championship assault next year.
The 27-year-old German, who had also been linked with a move to Renault for 2010, joins the British team following two seasons with Toyota.
"I had several options for 2010, some of them with more established teams," said Glock.
"Every driver has the same overall objective - to win the world championship one day - but the way I want to succeed is to be part of the process of building a team and to play a key role in developing the car. This is why the opportunity with Manor Grand Prix is so exciting for me.
"I have spent a lot of time with [technical director] Nick Wirth, [team principal] John Booth and other members of the team and what I liked most is that this a real racing team run by true racers.
"The team may be small and new but it has big ambitions and a very impressive car and development programme. I am confident that I can play a big role in terms of my technical input and that's a fantastic opportunity for me. I can't wait to start testing the new car early next year."
Wirth, who previously ran the Simtek F1 team from 1994-95, said that he was pleased to have snapped up the 2007 GP2 champion.
"It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme, but to get a driver that has not only achieved podium finishes in 2009 but has such proven talent and the potential to take us forward for many years is very exciting," he said.
"The fact that he has come and seen all aspects of the project before making his decision speaks volumes about what we have achieved so far. Now we just can't wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year."
Glock finished 10th in last year's world championship with Toyota, despite missing the final two races following a heavy qualifying crash in Japan that left him with an injured leg.
The 27-year-old German, who had also been linked with a move to Renault for 2010, joins the British team following two seasons with Toyota.
"I had several options for 2010, some of them with more established teams," said Glock.
"Every driver has the same overall objective - to win the world championship one day - but the way I want to succeed is to be part of the process of building a team and to play a key role in developing the car. This is why the opportunity with Manor Grand Prix is so exciting for me.
"I have spent a lot of time with [technical director] Nick Wirth, [team principal] John Booth and other members of the team and what I liked most is that this a real racing team run by true racers.
"The team may be small and new but it has big ambitions and a very impressive car and development programme. I am confident that I can play a big role in terms of my technical input and that's a fantastic opportunity for me. I can't wait to start testing the new car early next year."
Wirth, who previously ran the Simtek F1 team from 1994-95, said that he was pleased to have snapped up the 2007 GP2 champion.
"It has always been my recommendation that we have at least one driver with experience of the 2009 cars to help our development programme, but to get a driver that has not only achieved podium finishes in 2009 but has such proven talent and the potential to take us forward for many years is very exciting," he said.
"The fact that he has come and seen all aspects of the project before making his decision speaks volumes about what we have achieved so far. Now we just can't wait to get Timo into the new car once track testing begins next year."
Glock finished 10th in last year's world championship with Toyota, despite missing the final two races following a heavy qualifying crash in Japan that left him with an injured leg.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Glock in frame at Manor, says manager
Timo Glock’s manager has revealed that the new Manor GP team is one of three squads the German driver is talking to over a drive for next season.
Glock had not been expected to extend his Toyota stay into a third year in 2010 even before the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of Formula 1 last week, with strong speculation at the Abu Dhabi season finale suggesting a deal to take the 27-year-old to Renault was imminent.
However, with Renault still to confirm who will partner Robert Kubica in its line-up next year and doubts remaining about its F1 future, Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that the British-based Manor team has identified Glock as its number one target to lead it in its debut season.
Glock’s manager Hans-Bernd Kamps confirmed to the publication that Manor is one of three options open to them and says he hopes to confirm his driver’s future within the next week.
“We are still in serious negotiations with three teams, and Manor is one of them,” Hans-Bernd Kamps was quoted as saying.
“We are on the finishing straight and expect a decision by early next week.”
Manor, which has successfully competed in Formula 3 in the guise of Manor Motorsport, is expected to soon announce backing from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group for its inaugural F1 campaign.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that the team’s decision over its second seat is likely to be influenced by the amount of personal sponsorship a driver can bring to the team, with Renault’s Brazilian test pilot Lucas di Grassi understood to be in the frame
Glock had not been expected to extend his Toyota stay into a third year in 2010 even before the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of Formula 1 last week, with strong speculation at the Abu Dhabi season finale suggesting a deal to take the 27-year-old to Renault was imminent.
However, with Renault still to confirm who will partner Robert Kubica in its line-up next year and doubts remaining about its F1 future, Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that the British-based Manor team has identified Glock as its number one target to lead it in its debut season.
Glock’s manager Hans-Bernd Kamps confirmed to the publication that Manor is one of three options open to them and says he hopes to confirm his driver’s future within the next week.
“We are still in serious negotiations with three teams, and Manor is one of them,” Hans-Bernd Kamps was quoted as saying.
“We are on the finishing straight and expect a decision by early next week.”
Manor, which has successfully competed in Formula 3 in the guise of Manor Motorsport, is expected to soon announce backing from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group for its inaugural F1 campaign.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that the team’s decision over its second seat is likely to be influenced by the amount of personal sponsorship a driver can bring to the team, with Renault’s Brazilian test pilot Lucas di Grassi understood to be in the frame
Friday, 23 October 2009
Di Grassi closing in on Manor seat
Renault test driver Lucas di Grassi is closing in on a race seat at the new Virgin/Manor outfit for next year, AUTOSPORT has learned, but wants to wait for his current outfit to sort its driver plans first before committing.
Di Grassi has held detailed talks with Manor about a race seat for its debut campaign in 2010, but is also on the shortlist for a race seat at Renault next year - and will join the outfit for one of its post-season young driver test days.
The Brazilian is upbeat about his chances of securing a race seat – and said he hoped the situation would become clearer once the season has finished.
"At the moment it is looking pretty good," di Grassi told AUTOSPORT. "My commitment at the moment is with Renault. There is still one seat to be decided, and I had a very, very successful time here. Renault has helped me a lot, so my commitment is with them.
"At the moment it is deciding which driver it wants, and I know there are new teams interested in me, but it is difficult at the moment to see which one is going to be the best.
"We know some of them are not going to be the best, but which one will be the best package will become clearer in a couple of weeks. That will provide a better view of the whole thing."
Although di Grassi would not confirm how far advanced his talks with Manor were, he did admit that the team looked to be the most attractive option for him for next year.
"From what I understand, it [Manor] has the best package available of the new teams – in terms of technical people who have joined the team, in terms of marketing, and in terms of financial backing. I think is very, very serious, so from my side I rate it very high on the list."
When asked how he would rate in percentage terms his chances of being in F1, di Grassi said: "I would say a good 70 percent. At the moment it will depend on the next few weeks, after the season finishes, and then we will see if it goes down or up."
Renault is understood to favour slotting in an experienced driver alongside Robert Kubica next year, with Timo Glock top of the team's target list. Current driver Romain Grosjean is unlikely to be retained for 2010
Di Grassi has held detailed talks with Manor about a race seat for its debut campaign in 2010, but is also on the shortlist for a race seat at Renault next year - and will join the outfit for one of its post-season young driver test days.
The Brazilian is upbeat about his chances of securing a race seat – and said he hoped the situation would become clearer once the season has finished.
"At the moment it is looking pretty good," di Grassi told AUTOSPORT. "My commitment at the moment is with Renault. There is still one seat to be decided, and I had a very, very successful time here. Renault has helped me a lot, so my commitment is with them.
"At the moment it is deciding which driver it wants, and I know there are new teams interested in me, but it is difficult at the moment to see which one is going to be the best.
"We know some of them are not going to be the best, but which one will be the best package will become clearer in a couple of weeks. That will provide a better view of the whole thing."
Although di Grassi would not confirm how far advanced his talks with Manor were, he did admit that the team looked to be the most attractive option for him for next year.
"From what I understand, it [Manor] has the best package available of the new teams – in terms of technical people who have joined the team, in terms of marketing, and in terms of financial backing. I think is very, very serious, so from my side I rate it very high on the list."
When asked how he would rate in percentage terms his chances of being in F1, di Grassi said: "I would say a good 70 percent. At the moment it will depend on the next few weeks, after the season finishes, and then we will see if it goes down or up."
Renault is understood to favour slotting in an experienced driver alongside Robert Kubica next year, with Timo Glock top of the team's target list. Current driver Romain Grosjean is unlikely to be retained for 2010
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