Virgin appoints Ian Phillips as COO

As the Marussia Virgin Racing Formula One team prepares for the launch of its 2011 race car in London next week, and the start of its second season of competition, the Board of Directors has made a number of key appointments designed to strengthen the existing management team.

A number of new roles have been introduced, ensuring the team is equipped with the strength in depth required to pursue its target of competing at the highest level in Formula One.

Nikolay Fomenko, President of Marussia Motors, becomes Engineering Director and will provide overall leadership for the team’s technology programs, covering race car development, engineering and collaboration with Marussia’s road car program.

Marussia’s UK Managing Director, Andy Webb, assumes the position of CEO to focus on the executive management of the business.

Graeme Lowdon has a new role as President of Marussia Virgin Racing, enabling him to focus on the wide picture of the team’s role within the sport. Graeme will remain as the team’s representative on the F1 Commission and FOTA Executive and, in addition, will also assume the position of Sporting Director.

In the role of COO, Formula One sees the return of Ian Phillips, a highly respected operational mastermind who has enjoyed tremendous success in similar roles in Formula One teams, initially with Jordan Grand Prix and latterly with Force India F1 Team.

John Booth, who along with Graeme Lowdon and Nick Wirth first founded the team in its original guise as Manor Grand Prix, continues in his role as Team Principal and Director of Racing.

Darryl Eales, Chairman of Marussia Virgin Racing, commented: “The Board of Directors has reviewed and examined all aspects of the team’s commercial and racing operations during its debut F1 season in order to ascertain what is required to move the team forward quickly and prudently. The changes announced today, together with Marussia’s wealth of knowledge and experience, provide us with a solid foundation as we enter our second season. I believe we are very fortunate to have such depth of commercial and racing leadership as we embark on the next step in our ambitious plans for the team.

“Moreover, Marussia’s firm commitment will continue to enable us to put in place the right people, resources and infrastructure to ensure the team advances significantly over the next two seasons and beyond. I have no doubt the team can look forward to exciting and rewarding times ahead."