Virgin car passes last crash test

Virgin Racing's first Formula 1 car has passed the final compulsory FIA crash test ahead of its track outing at Silverstone on Thursday. The Cosworth-powered VR-01 was revealed on Wednesday before Timo Glock stepped into its cockpit for the Northamptonshire roll-out. With the team proud to present F1's first 'all-digital' car, developed only by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) with no use of a wind tunnel, the Nick Wirth-designed machine successfully passed the rear impact structure test 'with flying colors' on Tuesday night.

"We are delighted to have sailed through the sign-off of the VR-01's structural integrity, in accordance with the FIA's crash-testing requirements," Technical Director Wirth commented.

"We're all set for our initial shakedown before heading out to Jerez to begin three weeks of testing. Everyone is looking forward to finally seeing the VR-01 on-track."