We've been so busy keeping an eye on the two remaining race seats ahead of the 2013 season, that it was a massive surprise to find a totally different one open up with very little warning. Marussia and Timo Glock have parted ways, the German driver reportedly leaving Formula One behind him for the forseeable future.

Although it was supposedly a mutual agreement, and the pair released a joint statement announcing the split, it's clear that this is another case where funding, rather than sporting ability, set the agenda. From the Marussia statement, we can take some pretty sizeable guesses at how the conversation with Glock went down.

The ongoing challenges facing the industry mean that we have had to take steps to secure our long-term future. Touch economic conditions prevail and the commercial landscape is difficult for everyone, Formula One teams included. We would like to thank Timo for working with us to reach this decision, especially as he had a valid contract, and also for the contribution he has made to our Team.

- John Booth, team principal

Similarly, Timo Glock said all the right things to the press, but opened up a little more on Twitter, in response to messages of support from Mark Webber.

That’s the way of F1 at the moment. Hope it will change again soon because like this it has nothing to do with sport.

@realTimoGlock

It's really sad to see this be the end of Glock's Formula One career, particularly after spending three years trundling around the back of the grid out of both loyalty to Marussia, and some desperation to stay in the sport. Pay drivers aren't a new thing in F1, but there does seem to be a lot of consternation about their impact in the sport of late.

The argument about the economic climate and what a pay driver can bring to the sport is one thing, but here we have a stark example of what they can take away from it. Glock has been a friendly, fun driver on and off track, a fantastic front for a team's PR, and very good with the media in the paddock.

Timo was quick to jump on board emerging social media, and connect directly with fans wherever possible, and his efforts have been rewarded. As a one time Christine's Rankings champion, there is evidence aplenty that this is a man who knows how to make sport more interesting.

The question is, will we one day be able to say the same about the unnamed pay driver replacing him?