How BMW argues for the separation from Timo Glock after ten years, why it was a foregone conclusion and how the Munich-based company appreciates his services
Timo Glock went on the offensive on Wednesday and announced his separation from BMW after ten years himself via ‘Instagram’. However, the 40-year-old ex-Formula 1 driver did not provide any details about the background and his future. But how does BMW argue that the contract with Glock will not be renewed?
“Unfortunately, our cooperation will end at the end of the season,” BMW motorsport director Andreas Roos clarifies. “We have a lot of works drivers in the squad and have to set priorities. We wish Timo all the best for the next chapter of his career!”
Just over a fortnight ago, BMW announced that three-time DTM champion Rene Rast would be moving from Audi to the Munich-based company from 2023. His focus will be the LMDh programme, although this has not yet been officially communicated.
Timo Glock: Hardly any racing this year
With the 35-year-old Rast, BMW has not only brought on board one of the strongest drivers currently on the market in endurance and GT racing, but also an absolute figurehead.
Glock, who was shunted off to Ceccato in the Italian GT Championship in 2022 after a disappointing DTM year with the Rowe team, did not get a chance in this regard. Apart from the four sprint weekends of the Italian racing series and the DTM guest start in Imola, Glock also received no further GT3 entries in 2022.
Roos pays tribute to Glock: “Formative figure and face of the brand “
At least he is doing better than his long-time DTM companion Bruno Spengler: The Canadian’s factory contract for 2022 was also extended, but after the Boutsen-Ginion team’s short-notice switch to Audi, he remained completely without an entry apart from one DTM Classic start.
While Glock thanked long-time BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt in particular in his ‘Instagram’ post on the separation, current BMW motorsport director Roos paid tribute to the man from the Odenwald. “We thank Timo Glock for ten great years together,” said the former Audi man.
“With his driving class and personality, he was one of the defining figures and a face of the brand, especially during our factory involvement in the DTM between 2013 and 2020.”
Roos also points to two legendary moments: “His epic duel with Gary Paffett at Hockenheim, which has become famous, is unforgettable and has made its way into the DTM history books. But also his start at the 24h Spa-Francorchamps 2015 with Alex Zanardi and Bruno Spengler is historic. There are many shared moments with Timo that we will never forget. “
