Glock to replace Pantano at Shanghai

Jordan announced on September 22nd that third driver Timo Glock will replace Giorgio Pantano for the Chinese Grand Prix and that Pantano's contract has been terminated. Glock raced for Jordan at the Canadian Grand Prix, when Pantano was experiencing sponsorship problems, and scored his first F1 points with a seventh place finish.

Timo Glock.

Photo by Jordan Grand Prix.

Jordan cited contractual problems as the reason for Pantano's exit. "It has been a pleasure working with Giorgio this year however contractual issues have made this unavoidable and we wish him every success in the future," said Eddie Jordan in a statement from the team.

"Timo's performance throughout the season as our third driver in testing and free practice has been first-class particularly when he stood in and raced in Canada. I am confident that in this unexpected call-up he will do a good job for Jordan again. In Shanghai he will be in the same boat as everyone else as the circuit is new for all the drivers."

F3000 racer Robert Doornbos will step into Glock's place as Jordan's third driver for China, Japan and Brazil. Racing for Arden International, Doornbos was third overall in the F3000 championship and was awarded 2004 Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

"The F3000 season only just ended in Monza and it's been an amazing season for me -- in my first year in F3000 I won a race and got on the podium a few times," said Dutchman Doornbos, who celebrates his 24th birthday tomorrow.

"To get this chance with Jordan is fantastic and although it's late in the day and at circuits I have never visited, I'm grabbing the opportunity with both hands and looking forward to my first F1 drive. I would like to thank my sponsors Muermans Group and Burgfonds for helping me to make this possible."

Doornbos won the F3000 race at Spa, which impressed Jordan along with his other performances. "I'm very pleased that we have been able to offer this unexpected opportunity to Robert Doornbos," said the team boss.

"He has shown very impressive form this season with Arden International, holding his own against a dominant team-mate. Winning at Spa is a great achievement because it is a true 'drivers' track and we are looking forward to having Doornbos on board with Jordan for his F1 debut."