Virgin will benefit from McLaren’s expertise
The development strategy adopted by Virgin Racing, based entirely on computer design, did not yield the expected results. After parting ways with Nick Wirth, the Anglo-Russian team decided to enlist the services of one of Formula 1's benchmarks, McLaren, who will assist them in all aspects of team management.
It is thus an extended technical partnership that now ties the two British teams together. According to the terms of this technical partnership, Marussia Virgin Racing will have access to McLaren’s wind tunnel, simulator, and fitness programs, stated Martin Whitmarsh, the CEO of McLaren Group.
The statement from the Sheffield team implicitly acknowledges that the team’s current development capabilities did not allow them to achieve decent results, which led them to seek an available wind tunnel. Although Marussia Virgin Racing continues its commitment to CFD technology, in order to progress at the development pace required to achieve its racing objectives, the team will use all available means to improve the aerodynamics of its Formula One cars, including the McLaren wind tunnel.
But the agreement goes much further than just access to the wind tunnel, as McLaren employees will be incorporated into Virgin Racing to help them progress in management and production areas. Nevertheless, Andy Webb’s team clearly states that this relationship remains within the limits set by the Concorde Agreement, which prohibits the concept of “B teams.” It was this agreement that pushed Toro Rosso to develop its own car rather than just adopting the developments made by Red Bull, albeit with a few races’ delay.
The other major decision made by the team is to simply acquire the F1-dedicated infrastructure from Wirth Research Technology, its former CFD supplier. This means it will be able to use the Banbury center for the next two years, which will enable it to create a custom-built new factory to support its long-term ambitions and bring all activities under one roof.
Unlike Team Lotus and Williams, who have decided to leave Cosworth in favor of Renault, Virgin Racing will continue its collaboration with the British engine manufacturer.
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
