Timo Glock will not go to Abu Dhabi

After his very violent accident in Japan, Timo Glock will still not be fit to race in Abu Dhabi for the last race of the 2009 season. The German will be replaced by Toyota’s third driver, Kamui Kobayashi.

The confirmation was expected today and has been validated by a statement from the Japanese team: Glock will not be present in the United Arab Emirates, and it is Kobayashi who will conclude the F1 season in his place. The Japanese driver will thus race in his second consecutive Grand Prix and will be able to continue showcasing his potential.

Glock had fractured a vertebra during a crash in the qualifying session of the Japanese GP. The team didn’t want to take any risk by having him get back behind the wheel this week: « We are really sorry for Timo [Glock] that his season – which saw two superb podiums – ended this way. » regretted the team president, John Howett.

« After discussing with his doctor and his manager, we decided not to take any risks with Glock. He will be replaced by Kamui [Kobayashi]. He performed very well in Brazil under difficult circumstances, and we are therefore pleased to be able to ask him to drive again. » concluded the Englishman.

In Japan, Kobayashi could not start to replace Glock after his accident, as he was not on the FIA list. In Brazil, the Japanese driver finished 11th. At 23 years old, he is expected at Toyota next year.