Marussia Virgin Racing
History in F1
Team Virgin Racing was a new-comer to F1 in 2010, sponsored by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. The team was originally formed as a team named Manor Grand Prix, but when Virgin bought a 80% stake of the team in 2009, the name was changed to Team Virgin Racing. In 2010, Russian car maker, Marussia, bought a stake in the team. As first years go, Virgin Racing had a bumpy start in 2010, having chosen two relatively inexperienced drivers and battling technical issues. The team ended the season with zero points.
Information
Team Virgin Racing had a rocky 2010 F1 Season. The team has ended the season with zero points, along side Lotus-Cosworth and HRT-Cosworth. The team was plagued with technical problems, with both drivers retiring out of most races or not even being able to start. The highest ranking finish was 14th for Lucas di Grassi at the Malaysian Grand Prix and Timo Glock at the Japanese Grand Prix. This season, the team remains with the same two drivers as last year, probably a good choice, to retain consistency. Japan’s Sakon Yamamoto will be the test and reserve driver for the team.
Technical Details & Statistics
Team Virgin Racing is using the Cosworth CA2011 and the Virgin MVR-02 chassis – adding the M for Marussia, as the chassis was VR-01 last season. The chassis was designed by Nick Wirth and debuted in February 2011.
Base: Dinnington (UK)
Team Principal: John Booth
Main drivers: Timo Glock & Lucas di Grassi
Engine: Cosworth CA2011
Chassis: MVR-02
Debut F1 Season: 2010
World Championship Titles: 0
Highest race finish: 14 (x2)
Pole Position: 0
Fastest lap times: 0
Drivers
Driver 1: Timo Glock
Timo Glock began his F1 career at the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix and has driven for Team Jordan Ford, Team Panasonic Toyota Racing and last season, Team Virgin Racing. Glock has consistency ranked in races and collected 51 career points to date, but has so far never managed to win a Grand Prix race. Glock’s future looked uncertain when Toyota pulled out of F1 racing in 2009, but he seems to have found a home with Team Virgin Racing. His best finish in 2010 was 14th at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Driver Statistics:
Nationality: German
Date of Birth: 18 March 1982
World Championship Titles: 0
Number of Grand Prix won: 0
Pole Positions: 0
Career Points: 51
Podiums: 3
Driver 2: Jerome d’Ambrosio
Taking over from Lucas di Grassi, is Belgian driver Jerome d’Ambrosio. D’Ambrosio’s racing background is in karting, Formula Renault, Euroseries 3000, Formula Master and GP2 Series. In 2010, d’Ambrosio was the reserve driver for Renault and this season will be his first as a driver for Marussia Virgin Racing.
Driver Statistics:
Nationality: Belgium
Date of Birth: 27 December 1985
World Championship Titles: 0
Number of Grand Prix won: 0
Pole Positions: 0
Career Points: 0
Podiums: 0