Glock admits to googling new Marussia teammate Pic
Timo Glock says he needed to search online for information about Charles Pic, who joined him at Marussia for the 2012 Formula One season after finishing fourth in GP2.
Timo Glock, confirmed to stay with Marussia for 2012, admitted he had to search online to learn more about his new teammate Charles Pic. Pic, who finished fourth in the 2011 GP2 Series, was named as Glock’s teammate after driving for the team in the Abu Dhabi young driver test.
Glock, who turned 29 ahead of the 2012 season, told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport that he barely knew Pic before the announcement. He joked that if Pic was indeed joining, he would have to “google him” to find out more. Pic’s signing followed the departure of Jérôme d’Ambrosio, who had partnered Glock at the team, then known as Virgin Racing, in 2011.
Pic’s background includes strong financial support from his family’s business, Groupe Charles Andre, a major European freight company. He is managed by former Formula One driver Olivier Panis. After his GP2 season, Pic tested for Marussia in Abu Dhabi, which helped pave the way for his Formula One seat.
Marussia’s expectations for 2012
The team, rebranded from Virgin Racing to Marussia for 2012, aimed to move up from the back of the grid. Sporting director Graeme Lowdon acknowledged that the 2011 car had not delivered the hoped-for results, but said the team had improved its processes and resources for the coming season.
Lowdon said Marussia was focused on developing its new car more quickly, with the goal of moving off the last rows of the grid. The team’s technical overhaul was intended to help Glock and Pic compete more effectively against rivals in the lower midfield.
Pic’s arrival and team dynamics
Pic’s lack of Formula One experience meant he arrived as a relative unknown, even to his teammate. Glock’s comments reflected the reality for smaller teams, which often sign rookies with strong junior records but little public profile. Pic’s GP2 results and financial backing made him a logical choice for Marussia as it sought stability and funding during its transition from Virgin.
The new pairing set the stage for a fresh dynamic at Marussia, with Glock expected to lead development and Pic facing the challenge of adapting quickly to Formula One. Their relationship would come under scrutiny as the season progressed, especially as Marussia fought to move up the grid. For more on the evolving relationship between Glock and Pic during 2012, see Tensions Rise Between Marussia Teammates Glock and Pic.
