Formula One news

Brawn: Virgin renewal doubtful

Ross Brawn has added to the widespread feeling that Virgin will not be sponsoring his team again in 2010. With Richard Branson, the founder of the company, having said that a decision over the partnership would be made following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Team Principal Brawn does not expect the contract to be extended.

With Virgin's sponsorship of Brawn having started just two days before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March, the worldwide brand assisted the cash-strapped team as it prepared for its first season since the sudden exit of manufacturer Honda in December of last year.

"We had a great year with Virgin but they have different ambitions next year, so it's unlikely you will see their name on the car," Brawn explained, with the championship-winning team having naturally gone up in value. "They had the faith, or good luck, to be with us from the start - and won a championship with us - but it doesn't look like they'll continue."

Rumours have already placed Virgin in connection with the Manor team, which makes the climb up to F1 next year.


GPU Archive:

21/10/09 - Virgin-Brawn announcement to come post-season
21/06/09 - Virgin and Brawn likely to split

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