Despite running at the back of the grid since Virgin Racing entered Formula One at the start of last year, Glock had no doubts he wanted to remain with the team.

“I was frustrated, as with everyone else at the team, at certain moments last year,” said Glock.

“But for me that takes two to three hours to subside and then I reset myself for the next weekend.

“For some reason everyone has asked me this weekend how I can still be motivated fighting for P20 at the moment.

“But for me I jump in the car and I just enjoy what I’m doing, fighting as hard as possible until the last lap.

“It doesn’t matter whether I’m fighting for a podium or P20. That’s how I was motivated last year and this year.

“I set my target for a weekend, I just want to get more than 100% out of the package we have at the moment, and that’s what I am doing.”

Glock, who spent two years with Toyota before joining Virgin, has expressed his frustration with the car on many occasions, not least yesterday after qualifying.

Team principal John Booth believes it “vitally important” Virgin have retained Glock’s services as his experience is invaluable.

“We’re very pleased he has faith in the team going forward, and it’s another stamp on our way to becoming a sensible team,” said Booth.

“Timo’s had tough times with the team, been a real hard ass at times, pushing me, the team and pushing himself.

“But what we are seeing now is a result of Timo’s hard work.”

As for team-mate Jerome D’Ambrosio, who had no idea Glock was due to be confirmed today just minutes prior to the media conference, the Belgian’s future remains uncertain.

Booth added: “Jerome has done an absolutely fabulous job for us this year.

“We are in discussion with his management and it would be great to go forward with him.”