Virgin complete VR-01 shakedown (Gallery & Video)
Virgin Racing have completed their two-day shakedown today, with Timo Glock kicking things up a notch from yesterday’s exploratory laps, completing 42 laps of the 1.8km Stowe circuit during the morning.
Lucas di Grassi then took over in the afternoon recording his first 36 laps as an F1 driver, before saying:
“It feels good. It feels like home! I’m really happy and our first impressions of the car are very positive. It’s amazing what the team has achieved in such a short space of time. I think we have a strong car and a great team to get things started in Jerez. It was important for me to learn as much as possible here so I can start to put some real mileage on the car next week.”
Lucas di Grassi
Nick Wirth, Virgin Racing’s Technical Director, said:
“I am delighted that we have successfully shaken down the VR-01. To achieve 100km of running out of the box is a great achievement with only a few minor issues along the way. We have acquired some good information to feed straight back into design for the development of new parts, which we may even be testing next week. All in all this is a very pleasing conclusion to a memorable week for Virgin Racing.”
Nick Wirth
Team Principal John Booth paid due credit to his brand new race team:
“Our shakedown provided our very first opportunity to work together as a trackside operation and it couldn’t have gone any better. The way the team has come together to achieve such a successful shakedown has been commendable. I’m very proud of what we have achieved and we’re looking forward to taking our place alongside the other F1 teams in the pitlane next week.”
John Booth
Virgin Racing will join up with the other teams at the Jerez test which starts on Wednesday.
Gallery
Images (C) Virgin Racing
VR-01 Shakedown (Gallery)
Timo Glock has today taken the all-CFD designed Virgin Racing VR-01 for its first taste of track action.
The shakedown will continue tomorrow before the team fly to Spain for the second pre-season test in Jerez on Wednesday.
The livery sure does look as good on track as it does in the studio shots!
Gallery
Images (C) Virgin Racing
Virgin Racing launch VR-01 (Gallery & Video)
Virgin Racing have today launched their first ever F1 car – the VR-01 in an all-online launch.
The VR-01 is the first of a new breed of race car designed entirely in the digital domain using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). It is the brainchild of Virgin Racing’s Technical Director, Nick Wirth, who has gained an international reputation for pioneering a purely CFD approach to car development, wholly designing, building and testing race cars in computer simulation without the need for expensive, resource-heavy scale-model wind tunnel testing.
Nick Wirth said:
“When you see what the existing teams have achieved using the conventional but proven design approach, it is unsurprising that there is a great deal of scepticism about our all-CFD approach. But we are competing in a sport that is undergoing significant change having come face to face with today’s harsh economic realities. Under resource restriction, convention will become too costly and necessity really will be the mother of invention. I have absolute belief in the digital design process and the opportunity to put the all-CFD approach to the test at the highest level – to demonstrate that this could be the way for the future of F1 – is very, very exciting.”
Nick Wirth
Virgin Racing’s team principal John Booth commented:
“Today is the culmination of a very emotional journey which really began in June last year when we celebrated the fantastic news that our entry into Formula One had been accepted. The celebrations were necessarily brief however, because we were already in a race against time to design and develop a race car at the same time as building a new team of people and premises.
“I have always had the utmost confidence in Nick to design a good race car, just as he has the faith in the race team to make a good job of operating it. Having worked closely with the technical team over the past 10 months, I know that the VR-01 is the product of a very intensive and thorough design and development process and my excitement at seeing our first race car make its track debut later this week is shared by every single person involved with Virgin Racing.”
John Booth
Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin group, added:
“What a car! Nick and his design team have done an incredible job and so today they deserve all of the spotlight. It’s been fantastic to be part of this journey almost from the very beginning and to see a great engineering mind at work. I’m sure we will be measured by how fast the car is on the track in Jerez next week, but I hope that doesn’t overshadow the far bigger achievement of pulling an entire racing team together and taking a brave step that defies convention. In many ways this is an exploration, but given the absolute self-belief we have seen, I can’t help but feel very excited about what we can go on to achieve in the years ahead. For now though I’m looking forward to seeing the VR-01 on–track in testing in the coming weeks as we prepare for Virgin Racing’s very first grand prix.”
Sir Richard Branson
Specification
Chassis
Construction – Virgin Racing carbon fibre construction monocoque and nosebox
Suspension
Wishbones – Virgin Racing carbon fibre construction with titanium flexure joints
Uprights – Virgin Racing aluminium alloy construction
Dampers – Penske
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels – BBS
Tyres – Bridgestone Potenza
Fuel System
Fuel cell – ‘FT5’ safety specification
Fuel capacity – In excess of 200 litres
Brakes
Calipers – AP Racing 6 pot calipers
Discs/pads – Hitco Carbon-Carbon
Steering
Steering wheel – Virgin Racing carbon fibre construction
Power steering – Virgin Racing hydraulic steering assist
Driver seat – Anatomically formed carbon composite
Seat belts – Six-point harness (75mm shoulder straps with HANS system)
Electronics
ECU and logging system – FIA standard ECU & FIA homologated electronic & electrical system
Transmission
Gearbox – Virgin Racing precision aluminium construction with 7-speed, longitudinally mounted Xtrac internals
Differential – Electronically controlled hydraulic differential
Gear Selection – Paddle operated hydraulic shift system with “seamless shift”
Clutch – AP Racing
Driveshafts – One–piece driveshafts with integral tripod joints
Dimensions
Overall Length Approx 5500 mm
Overall Height Approx 950 mm
Overall Width Approx 1800 mm
Wheelbase
Approx 3200 mm
ENGINE
Designation – Cosworth CA2010
Duty Cycle Type – 4 stroke reciprocating piston, normally aspirated
Configuration – 8 cylinders in banked V configuration with an angle of 90 degrees
Construction – Cast aluminium alloy cylinder block and head, forged aluminium pistons, steel crankshaft
Capacity – 2,400cc
Valves – 32 with pneumatic valve springs
Maximum Speed – Limited to 18,000rpm
Timing – Double overhead cams driven via compliant gear from crankshaft
Mass – In excess of 95kg
Cylinder Bore – Less than 98mm
Fuelling – 8 injectors supplied by a pressurized system at 100bar
Ignition – 8 ignition coils each driving single spark plug
Lubrication – Dry sump
Spark Plugs - Champion
Gallery
Personally I can’t decide whether I like the livery or not. I think I have to wait until I see it out on track for the first time before I make my mind up. What about you? Leave us a comment!
Images (C) Virgin Racing
Virgin to launch online
Virgin Racing will launch their first ever car in front of an online audience on Wednesday 3rd February. They are the third team to launch online so far, following on from Ferrari and McLaren.
The VR-01 will be unveiled online on the morning of Wednesday 3 February and is expected to make its official test debut at the year’s second pre-season session, which begins at the Spanish circuit of Jerez on 10 February.
Keep up will all the launch dates in An F1 Blog’s calendar.
Image (C) Virgin RacingBooth takes over team principal role at Virgin
John Booth – founder of Manor has taken over the role as team principal at the new Virgin Racing team from the departing Alex Tai, who is leaving the team citing wanting ‘to accept new challenges in new ventures’. However, Tai who has been a key right-hand-man to the Virgin founder Richard Branson, working on projects such as Virgin Galactic will keep working for the Virgin Group as the Director of Special Projects.
Despite the team putting out a press release saying the change was planned, surely I am not the only one thinking that a team principal leaving a team ‘to accept new challenges in new ventures’ before the team has raced a single Grand Prix is a bit strange. When appointed, observers questioned his suitability for the role, given his total lack of experience in motorsports.
Etienne de Villiers, chairman of Virgin Racing, said:
“John’s impressive racing pedigree and reputation is beyond question in the critical role of team principal. John will be joined by Graeme Lowdon as CEO, who previously held the position of director of racing. He was one of the founders of the original Manor Grand Prix team and a key architect of its successful formation last year. Graeme has a proven track record with Manor Grand Prix and is a formidable operator with an excellent reputation in the sport. Their combined experience and expertise make them the ideal candidates to lead the Virgin Racing team as we head into an exciting first season.
“These appointments reflect our long-term commitment to fully addressing the complexity and challenges of the new business and to creating a team with the appropriate skills and experience to ensure its sustainable success.
“We knew this day was coming but we are still sorry to see Alex move on from his executive duties. He will continue in his role as director of special projects for Virgin and will retain a close relationship with the team. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Alex for his support, energy and commitment from the outset and we look forward to his continued contribution to the business.”
It's on: Tony Fernandes vs Richard Branson
…was the headline on the official website of the new Lotus F1 team in reaction to the challenge that has been accepted by team boss Tony Fernandes after Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Racing said that the loser in the Formula 1 stakes has to dress up as an airline stewardess on the winner’s airline – Fernandes’ AirAsia or Branson’s Virgin Atlantic.
“Bring it on, the sexier the better.”
…was Fernandes’ response, with the Lotus team even posting a spoof image shown above of Branson dressed up as an air hostess. He continued:
“It’s quite fitting, don’t you think? Our passengers will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm. But, knowing Richard, the real challenge will be to prevent him from asking our guests ‘coffee, tea or me?’ That would be scary.”
My Thoughts
Well, who do I want to be the winner of the challenge? It has to be Fernandes after his genius quip about the matchbox car and the Branson comment. Sorry, but Lotus are my team of choice over Virgin!
Virgin Racing completes driver line-up
Virgin Racing today made its driver announcement in London, where it was confirmed that Manor have teamed up with Richard Branson’s Virgin brand, and that Lucas di Grassi will drive alongside Timo Glock at the team. di Grassi said:
“I could never imagine a F1 debut as perfect as this one. Entering F1 with John Booth and his crew, the same people with whom I won the 2005 Macau F3 race – one of the greatest successes in my career – is really beyond perfection I should say. And I believe I am ready for F1.
“I have worked a lot during these years to get here and I believe it happened just in time. I always had great expectations about the day I would enter F1, and I should thanks everyone who was with me all these years, and I shall say John and his team are among those very people I consider helped me to get there much before we signed the F1 contract.
“Being here with them makes more sense to me than to be with a veteran organisation. We will debut together, and that detail makes for a special bond too. I guess all that will make me stronger and more confident as I will be among old friends. I am ready to work twenty four seven and I am sure I will be able to contribute with the team efforts in every stage of our evolution in 2010.”
It was also revealed that Lucas di Grassi’s fellow GP2 graduates Alvaro Parente and Luis Razia will take on the role of test drivers with the team.
Glock sure Schu will return
Virgin Racing driver Timo Glock is certain seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher will make a return to the sport.
The former Toyota driver, now partnered alongside Lucas Di Grassi at Virgin said:
“There’s still a lot of speculation, but in the end he is a crazy race driver, and he wants to come back to racing. It’s not enough for him to just do go-kart races, or go to the Race of Champions at the end of the year.
“The flame is still there, it’s still burning within him, and it will be great for Formula One if he comes back.
“For me, my personal feeling, it is quite obvious he is coming back.“For Formula One and the fans it would be a big boost, a seven-time world champion coming back after three years out. It would be a mega highlight, and to drive for Mercedes, you would have a German driver in a German car.”
And Glock said he would relish the chance to race alongside his countryman, but realises it would be difficult.
“To beat Michael would be a good year for us, but we have to concentrate on ourselves, and not look at what others are doing.”
Virgin Racing have revealed Portuguese drive Alvaro Parente will be their reserve driver, and they have also made their new website live today.
To visit the the Virgin Racing website, click HERE
Why the Trulli- Kovalainen pair up makes a good deal of sense
Today it was announced that Lotus F1 Racing would run ex Toyota driver Jarno Trulli and ex Mclaren man Heikki Kovalainen for 2010. Both have won only one Grand Prix.
This seems to be a fairly good pairing for Lotus; age and experience alongside youth and potential. The only team which will have a more experienced line up is Williams although they will be fielding a rookie.
Jarno is a master over one lap, he really excels at qualifying. This suggests that he can squeeze the extra tenths out of the car which will be vital to any new team. He tends to suffer on race day and seems to be a fragile driver. However, his experience should also be an aid at the developing the car and he has worked very well alongside Mike Gascoyne before when they were back at Renault and at Toyota.
Heikki on the other hand, will only be entering his fourth season in F1. This should be an edge over the new teams with rookie signings (Senna at Campos, di Grassi probably at Virgin Racing) as he has a lot of mileage under his belt. He showed a good bit of talent back in 2007 but the step up to Mclaren seems to be one too soon. The situation and Heikki’s mentality probably took another big hit with Lewis completely dominating him. At a new team he’ll have to contend with Jarno who is inching closer to retirement and so will probably find things much easier.
He showed some ballsy moves at times, most notably at Suzuka this year with a splendid move on Fisichella after leaving the pits. The Finn seems to have the potential and Lotus has thrown him a lifeline-if he wants to stay in F1 he will have to deliver this time.
This line up gives Lotus a good starting point and time to shop around for a young, talented Malaysian to take over the cockpit when the time is right. Another interesting point to note is that Jarno’s now ex –teammate Glock will be racing for Virgin, a team that Lotus seems determined to beat.
The rumours are that Trulli has an option to leave at the end of each year of a reported three year contract so we’ll see how that develops.
FIA publish 2010 entry list.
The FIA have today published the 2010 F1 entry list on their official website.
A few interesting points of note from this entry list are as follows:
- Although Brawn GP are listed , it also says;
This team has indicated its intention to change its team name to Mercedes Grand Prix prior to the start of the 2010 season
- Despite Jaime Alguersuari saying that he will drive for Toro Rosso next season, Sebastien Buemi is the only listed confirmed driver for the team.
- Although there is no mention of Toyota in the entry list, at the bottom of the page it says;
Toyota Motorsport GmbH remains formally bound by the Concorde Agreement to put forward a team for participation, though it has indicated that it will not be in a position to do so. An announcement will be made regarding this entry in due course.
- In the entry list Manor Grand Prix are actually called Virgin Racing.
- Sauber is not yet mentioned in the list as the team has not yet been allocated a grid spot.