Monday, November 30, 2009

Manor set for Virgin rebranding

Richard Branson
Branson is expected to officially announce the deal on Tuesday

Manor GP are to be rebranded as Virgin Racing as one of four new teams in Formula 1 next season.

The news was effectively confirmed by motor sport's world governing body, the FIA, when they announced the 2010 F1 entry list on Monday.

Manor boss John Booth and Virgin chief Richard Branson are due to announce the sponsorship deal on Tuesday.

Virgin Racing join fellow newcomers Lotus F1 Racing, Campos Meta 1 and US F1 Team in a total of 12 teams.

German driver Timo Glock has already signed to be Manor's lead driver in 2010, while British company Wirth Research will design the cars.

Sauber are widely expected to be granted an additional place on next year's grid following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on 11 December.

606: DEBATE
Ernie Becclestone

Peter Sauber last week regained control of the team he sold to BMW four years ago after the German manufacturing giant's withdrawal from the sport.

The Formula One Commission are also set to discuss Toyota's fate next week, again in Monaco on Wednesday.

The Japanese manufacturer surprisingly pulled out of F1 at the end of last season, despite signing the new Concorde Agreement that bound them to the sport for the next three years.

Speculation has surfaced of late regarding a potential takeover, yet it is unclear whether a buyer would automatically be granted an entry on the basis of Toyota's signature on the Concorde.

No comments: