Glock joins Manor for 2010

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.