Timo Glock is also out for the Brazilian GP

Kamui Kobayashi will replace Timo Glock for the Brazilian Grand Prix. After multiple analyses, the doctors have finally revealed a fracture in one of his vertebrae. His recovery from his qualifying accident in Suzuka will take longer than expected. Glock might not return before 2010…

Glock missed the Japanese Grand Prix race after crashing heavily in qualifying, hitting a tire wall at the chicane exit. He initially thought his injuries were limited to a leg cut that affected his mobility, enough to rule him out of the race in Suzuka. He certainly did not expect to have more problems afterward. But the Toyota team announced today that further medical checks in Germany revealed a back injury. This will prevent Timo Glock from racing in Brazil. Team boss John Howett admitted that his participation in the season-closing Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi is also in doubt… The two races are only fifteen days apart.

« Obviously, everyone on the team is very disappointed and feels sad for Timo. We wish him a speedy recovery. » comments Howett. « After the initial diagnosis, Timo was expected to return in Brazil, but unfortunately, a more serious injury was revealed, preventing that. He will stay in Germany to recover, and we hope that he can return for Abu Dhabi, although at this stage, the situation is unclear. »

Reserve driver Kamui Kobayashi had already stood in for Timo Glock when the German was prevented by a flu from attending the Friday Free Practice sessions in Suzuka. Currently a GP2 driver, the Japanese will have his first official Grand Prix weekend at Interlagos.

« Kamui was the natural choice to step in, and he showed at Suzuka that he is capable of holding his own. Of course, a difficult task awaits him, but he knows that the team will give him all the necessary support, and we know that he is motivated to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. » concluded the President of Toyota.