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[LewEngBridewell]

Virgin Racing have axed technical director Nick Wirth following their disappointing start to the season.

In a bid to cut costs, the team have pioneered the use of computer technology, known as CFD, to design and develop their car.

But the Dinnington-based team struggled in their debut season, finishing last in the constructors' championship.

This year, neither Timo Glock nor Jerome D'Ambrosio have qualified higher than 20th in the opening six races.

Where do we see this team heading from here?

[vlad]

Well, this season is wasted for them. I think it's only a matter of time before HRT passes them. They will try to concentrate for the next sason. I think that's all they can do. Or, they could leave Formula 1.

[acosmichippo]

This year, neither Timo Glock nor Jerome D'Ambrosio have qualified higher than 20th in the opening six races.

yeah, i mean what the hell has been going on over there. They should have AT LEAST placed 19th by now. So very disappointing.

[Robert12010]

Well, this season is wasted for them. I think it's only a matter of time before HRT passes them. They will try to concentrate for the next sason. I think that's all they can do. Or, they could leave Formula 1.

[acosmichippo]

Well, this season is wasted for them... They will try to concentrate for the next sason. I think that's all they can do.

Idunno about that. I would think their best shot at next year would come after trying to get a better understanding of their current car and improving on it. Not to mention there are surely to be rule changes in the offseason (or even later this season), so why invest time in something that could be thrown out the window before you can even use it?

[Jabberwocky]

well who did not see that coming. Like the old story when you start a new job write 3 letters.

[scotty]

They need some windtunnel time already. The upside for Virgin here is that Pat Symonds is supposed to be helping with next years car now...

[Frontrunner]

Good move from Virgin, They have to do something different to what there doing now, that for sure.

[LewEngBridewell]

Good move from Virgin, They have to do something different to what there doing now, that for sure.

Indeed. It's a sign that, despite poor results, the team still has drive, commitment and ambition. I hope they move on forward.

[Denthúl]

They need some windtunnel time already. The upside for Virgin here is that Pat Symonds is supposed to be helping with next years car now...

Scarbs posted on Twitter that there's a rumour going around. Apparently, the team want Mercedes engines and KERS, McLaren gearboxes and in exchange they'd have Gary Paffett drive for them. No idea whether or not there's any truth to that.

Interestingly, if that does happen and Williams are indeed heading towards Renault power again, that leaves only Hispania with Cosworth. Their return to Formula One could be very short-lived, with very little chance to improve their situation at the moment due to the current engine regulations. Again, though, that's just all speculation.

[acosmichippo]

Who are they making this deal with? McLaren? How can they include Merc engines in that? And I thought engine manufacturers were limited to only three teams...

[Denthúl]

Who are they making this deal with? McLaren? How can they include Merc engines in that? And I thought engine manufacturers were limited to only three teams...

No, although they have to get permission from the two current customers in order to be able to supply another. In terms of who the deal would be with, I'm guessing it would be both McLaren and Mercedes, but I don't know. I didn't see any other tweets about it and it was only a retweet itself.

[acosmichippo]

http://in.mobile.reuters.com/article/id ... 1?irpc=932

"The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) would have to give permission for [Renault to supply a fourth team with engines], with engine makers at present restricted to three teams."

[myownalias]

http://in.mobile.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-56937920110511?irpc=932

"The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) would have to give permission for [Renault to supply a fourth team with engines], with engine makers at present restricted to three teams."

Which was conveniently overlooked when Cosworth returned to the fold; that was the FIA (under Max Mosley) attempting to usurp the current engine makers and create a spec series, you remember the whole debacle with the FIA only allow new teams in if they used Cosworth power.

As for Nick Wirth being axed, it's a step forward but I wonder if it's too little too late for Virgin; especially this season!

[texasmr2]

They need some windtunnel time already. The upside for Virgin here is that Pat Symonds is supposed to be helping with next years car now...

Sound's about right to me also and I'm not convinced with the CFD thingamabob. Please correct me if I'm wrong as I cannot remember what team it was that was mentioned not having any downforce, one of the new ones though. Just goes to show imo that there is no substitute for on-track testing. Also with Virgin having such a hard time it makes me wonder how long Branson will actually stick it out before he decides to jump ship.