Sidepodcast

Virgin Reveal Brand New VR-01

The last F1 team to launch a new car online were Toyota back in 2009. This year Virgin Racing are flying that virtual flag, by announcing details of their new VR-01 chassis design online on Wednesday morning.

Credit: Virgin Racing

The Virgin Racing livery in all its red and black detail.

Today will offer the public a first look at a new car from a new team, as Virgin Racing become the first of Formula 1's new entrants, to debut a chassis. The VR-01 has been making headlines in the run up to the launch because it has been designed solely in the virtual world using CFD technology.

The online launch begins at 10:00 GMT and can be seen on the official homepage virginracing.com. It will be of particular interest to see how the shape of the car, created by Wirth Research, compares to traditional teams efforts.

Credit: Virgin Racing

Video: 5Live's David Croft presents a fantastic behind the scenes look at the launch photo shoot.

Virgin Racing Technical Director, Nick Wirth:

"I have been fortunate to have worked with the very best designers in F1 and I am well aware of exactly what it takes to be successful in this sport. 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."

Credit: Virgin Racing

A side view of the Virgin Racing VR-01.

Following this mornings launch, the car is expected to under go a two day shakedown at Silverstone.