Proud Virgin owner Branson: What a car!

Team owner Richard Branson couldn't hide his pride during the launch of Virgin Racing's first ever Formula One car.

The VR01 - designed by Wirth Research - was introduced to the world online on Wednesday, and Branson is mightily impressed by the car.

"What a car! Nick [Wirth] and his design team have done an incredible job and so today they deserve all of the spotlight," Branson said.

"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."

Although the team are finding itself in virgin territory with it being their debut season, Branson is upbeat ahead of their new campaign.

"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," he said.

"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."

Because of the late launch, Virgin have been forced to skip the first pre-season testing session in Valencia, but team principal John Booth says that was always part of the plan.

"It was always intended that we would miss the first all-team test in Valencia this week and very early on we targeted the second Jerez test in two weeks' time for our public testing debut," he said.

"It is a testament to our methodical approach and the sheer hard work of the team that we are heading to Spain a week earlier than planned to take part in the first Jerez test next week."

Proud Virgin owner Branson: What a car! - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com