Timo Glock says he is staying with Virgin

The German Formula One driver dismissed speculation that he could leave Virgin Racing and said on Friday he would be staying with the team next season.

LONDON // The German Formula One driver Timo Glock dismissed speculation that he could leave Virgin Racing and said on Friday he would be staying with the team next season.

"I am definitely driving for Virgin Racing," he told their website.

"There has been a lot of speculation about me wanting to leave the team, but it is not about leaving a team, it is about wanting to do better and keep moving forward.

"It is not just 99.9 per cent certain that I will stay, as has been reported - it is 100 per cent certain that I am staying."

Glock joined the new team from Toyota, who quit Formula One at the end of 2009, on a long-term contract and he said then that he wanted to help them build for the future.

Virgin finished their debut championship in 12th and last place, without a single point, but have signed a new title sponsor in Russian sportscar maker Marussia.

"I think with everything we have learned this year we can take a very good step up next season," said the 28-year-old.

"This is a great team of people who have given blood, sweat and tears to our first season. Some people haven't seen that with their own eyes, like I have, so it's easy to criticise or be cynical."

Glock's teammate this year was Brazilian Lucas di Grassi and the team are now considering their options. Glock said he expected an announcement on the second seat before Christmas.

"I think it is right to take our time and make sure we have the best combination of youth and experience, plus make sure we have the best information going back into the team at testing and races to ensure we can develop as quickly as we want to and keep moving forward," he said.