Virgin Racing will become the first of the new Formula 1 entrants to run its car on track when it shakes down the VR-01 in a private event at Silverstone at the end of next week.
After launching the Cosworth-powered, Wirth Research-designed car in an online ceremony next Wednesday, the team will run the car at Silverstone on Feb. 4-5, prior to joining the second major Formula 1 test of the winter at Jerez the following week.
The VR-01 was fired up for the first time in Wirth's Bicester factory last night.
"I'm really happy to have done the fire-up checks and to have reached this new milestone in our schedule as planned," said designer Nick Wirth. "I must say the VR-01 is looking quite a neat package. We all look forward to seeing the car on track for the first time next Thursday."