Toyota confirm Glock signing

The German had been linked with the Toyota drive for several months, and last week the Contract Recognition Board ruled that Glock was free to leave his previous role as BMW Sauber's reserve driver and join the Japanese manufacturer.

"It's a great feeling to be a Formula One race driver again and I am really looking forward to this new challenge," said Glock, who contested four Grands Prix for Jordan in 2004.

"I have worked hard over the past few years to get this opportunity and I must say I am grateful to Panasonic Toyota Racing for having faith in me.

"From what I have seen of the team at the track I am confident we will be able to work well together to move forward.

"Even though I have not raced in Formula One since 2004, I have tested quite regularly so I expect it will take very little time for me to get back in the groove."

After his Jordan stint, Glock moved to the Champ Car World Series in 2005 before returning to Europe to contest the GP2 Series, winning this year's title.

"I have been lucky enough to race and succeed in several different championships in my career but my goal has always been to become a full-time Formula One race driver. I believe this experience has made me stronger as a driver and as a person," he said.

"Of course, to return to Formula One racing as GP2 Series champion is a real honour and we've all seen how well Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton have performed as champions so that is very encouraging. I hope I can also make a strong impression next season.

"Now I have achieved my goal of returning to Formula One, my next target is to work towards making 2008 a successful season for myself and Panasonic Toyota Racing."

Toyota team principal Tadashi Yamashina is confident that Glock will impress in his F1 return.

"It is with great pleasure that we confirm Timo Glock will race for Panasonic Toyota Racing in 2008," he said.

"I am convinced Timo has the potential to help this team move forward and achieve its aims.

"Timo has great experience of motorsport in several different categories and he reinforced his reputation by winning the highly competitive GP2 Series, which we have already seen is fantastic preparation for Formula One.

"He has demonstrated a fighting spirit and good race craft in GP2 so we believe he is the right man for the job."

Glock replaces countryman Ralf Schumacher in the Toyota line-up. A team statement said that he had signed a "multi-year" agreement and that permission would be sought from BMW for him to test the Toyota at Jerez in early December.