Timo Glock scores his first Formula 1 podium

Timo Glock’s first Formula 1 podium came one race after a violent accident at Hockenheim and at a point when Toyota still needed proof that its expensive programme could turn qualifying speed into substantial results.

Glock had returned to Formula 1 with Toyota in 2008 after winning the GP2 championship. His earlier Grand Prix experience consisted of four appearances for Jordan in 2004, including points on his debut in Canada after two rivals were disqualified.

The first half of his Toyota season produced limited returns. At the German Grand Prix, a rear suspension failure sent him heavily into the barriers. He was cleared to race in Hungary two weeks later.

Fifth becomes a place at the front

Glock qualified fifth at the Hungaroring, his strongest grid position to that point. He ran competitively throughout the race and gained track position as Lewis Hamilton suffered a puncture.

Felipe Massa appeared certain to win until his Ferrari engine failed with three laps remaining. Heikki Kovalainen inherited first place, while Glock moved into second.

The Toyota driver finished 11.061 seconds behind the McLaren and held off Kimi Räikkönen, who crossed the line less than five seconds later. Second place was Glock’s first Formula 1 podium and Toyota’s best result since Ralf Schumacher finished third in Australia during 2006.

Glock added another second place in Singapore the following year and later finished third in Malaysia. His podium career therefore remained short, but Hungary established that he could convert a rare front-running opportunity.

The result also carried a useful contrast with Hockenheim. Fourteen days after climbing from a heavily damaged car, Glock climbed onto a Formula 1 podium for the first time.