Virgin Racing's VR-01 Passes the FIA Crash Tests

Virgin Racing yesterday unveiled their first ever Formula One single-seater, designed and prepared for the team's maiden campaign in the Great Circus. While becoming the first team from the newly-entrants to reveal their 2010 car to the public, it was also confirmed that the VR-01 was made entirely based on CFD work (no wind tunnel included).

Nevertheless, that didn't stop the team's owner Sir Richard Branson to state his proud feeling when talking about his new car, as this was actually the first single-seater to which he actually contributed (financially) since his involvement in the F1 series last year. Additionally, the team's designing chief Nick Wirth today confirmed that the car has also passed the latest FIA crash tests prior to the beginning of the 2010 F1 season.

“We are delighted to have sailed through the sign-off of the VR-01's structural integrity in accordance with the FIA's crash testing requirements. We're all set for our initial shakedown before heading out to Jerez to begin three weeks of testing. Everyone is looking forward to finally seeing the VR-01 on track,” said Wirth.

The VR-01 was developed and designed entirely by Wirth Research, and is projected to hit the track from as early as the upcoming test meeting on the FIA calendar, namely the one next week in Jerez. The Spanish track will also see the new cars developed by Lotus F1, Force India and Red Bull Racing – along with the other ones that have been present in Valencia this week.

The VR-01 is now the last car to have passed the FIA crash tests prior to the beginning of the testing season in F1. However, while Campos Grand Prix and US F1 have already announced that their challengers have passed the tests also, their participation in the 2010 series is in doubt due to financial problems. Something that Virgin Racing doesn't have to be concerned about, at least for the time being.