Virgin's Tire Recycle Scheme Exposed

Virgin Racing doesn't seem that committed to the greener aspects of Formula One after all, at least not as team sponsor Sir Richard Branson had suggested prior to last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix. Throughout the Canadian weekend, one could remember Virgin Racing bragging about working out a tire recycling scheme for the 2010 season of the championship.

Branson confirmed the scheme for the media in Montreal, during the course of last weekend. Additionally, he said that this “is the first truly green and highly relevant deal in the history of the sport” and demonstrates his team's “commitment to focusing upon the environmental impact of Formula One.”

Virgin were not doing it alone though, as they were partnering with Canadian-based company Carbon Green in their bold initiative.

“Old tires used by Timo Glock, Lucas di Grassi and co will be recycled into useful products,” added Branson, explaining how the recycling programme goes.

According to the GMM news agency however, Bridgestone's F1 press officer Andy Stobart was asked by an F1 fan via Twitter whether the company he represents is still taking back the used tires at the end of each racing weekend. The answer was somewhat curious, as Stobart confirmed Bridgestone takes back its tires to protect their “confidential technology.”

Additionally, Stobart said that Bridgestone's old tires are "used for fuel, a positive contribution to energy recovery.” So where does Virgin Racing fit into this whole equation?