Bahrain : Virgin Racing, one of the new entries for the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, is preparing to get off to a good start when the 2010 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix kicks off this year's season at Bahrain International Circuit on March 14.
Headed by CEO Graeme Lowden, Team Principal John Booth and Technical Director Nick Wirth, the team formerly known as Manor GP, was the first team to release its 2010 Formula 1 car, designed completely using CFD computer simulation technology.
Based in Dinnington in South Yorkshire, England, the new team was officially launched on December 15 with Richard Branson's Virgin Group as title sponsors.
In November last year, 27-year-old Timo Glock was announced as the lead driver for the 2010 season. The former Toyota driver signed on for a two-year period with a one-year extension option included in the agreement.
This GP2 graduate has several Formula 1 seasons' experience, racing for BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2007 and Panasonic Toyota Racing in 2008 and 2009. With a total of 36 Formula 1 starts, three podium finishes and 51 career points, the German has the familiarity and know-how needed to keep Virgin Racing at the front of the pack when the FIA Formula 1 World Championship kicks off with one of Glock's favourite circuits on the Formula 1 calendar: The Bahrain International Circuit.
Second driver
Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi, another competitor who established himself via the GP2 Series, will be joining his former rival Glock as the second driver for Virgin Racing, a team which he has been part of before under its previous rendition as Manor Motorsport.
The two have met several times on the tarmac, the most publicised encounter being their heated 2007 GP2 Series, where Glock edged out the 25-year-old for the Championship title.
The San Paulo resident has found himself behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car before when he test drove for Honda Racing F1 Team at the end of the 2008 season, with his times trailing Jenson Button's by just 0.5 seconds.
