Formula 1: Virgin Racing presents VR-01

Many experts had their doubts about the new Formula 1 teams. At least V irgin was able to reassure the organizers and fans. With the VR-01, Timo Glock's team achieved at least the minimum goal: building their own Formula 1 car.

Virgin racer was created on the computer

The red and black racing car for Glock and his Brazilian team-mate Lucas di Grassi was presented on Wednesday. The car, called VR-01, was developed entirely by computer, emphasized Virgin Racing in its press release. 'This is a very proud day for everyone who works at Virgin Racing,' said Technical Director Nick Wirth.

The car is the star today. The entire team had already presented itself in London last December. 'Today is the climax of a very emotional journey that began in June of last year when we celebrated the fantastic news that our registration for Formula 1 was accepted,' said team principal John Booth.

VR-01 with bumps on its nose

Before Virgin starts the official test drives in Jerez next week, the VR-01 was brought to Silverstone for a two-day test run.

Like the Red Bull from the previous season, the front section of the new car has two small bumps on the sides. However, the tip of the nose is deeper and more curved than in the competition from Sauber, Williams, Ferrari or McLaren. At first glance, the air inlets look relatively narrow. Like all newcomers, Virgin will drive a Cosworth engine that has yet to prove its stability.

Manor GP had registered at the time. The racing team was then taken over by the British Virgin Group and renamed accordingly. The Hesse Glock joined the team after Toyota was eliminated. It is one of a total of four new ones on the starting list for the season starting March 14th in Bahrain.