• Testing

Virgin runs VR-01 at Silverstone

Timo Glock gave the VR-01 a quick run in front of a small crowd © Virgin Racing

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• Drivers:
• Lucas di Grassi
• |
• Timo Glock

• Teams:
• Virgin

Virgin became the first of the four new teams to run its car on track on Thursday.

In the hands of Timo Glock, the newly launched VR-01 began a two-day shakedown on the bitterly cold Stowe circuit at Silverstone. Glock completed a "few exploratory laps" on rain tyres in front of a crowd of guests.

"After 10 challenging months, all the commitment and determination has finally paid off,"said technical director Nick Wirth. "The programme really gets underway tomorrow [Friday] with a full day of on-track evaluation for both Timo and Lucas [di Grassi]."

Glock added: "It was a fantastic moment for myself and the whole team to see the VR-01 come alive. It's great to be back in a racing car."

Earlier this week, the VR-01 passed the rear impact structure crash test, meaning it is now cleared to race in Formula One. "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," said Wirth.

Lucas di Grassi got his hands on the car on Friday and said that making the step up to F1 from GP2 felt entirely natural.

"It feels good, it feels like home," he said. "I'm really happy and our first impressions of the car are very positive. It's amazing what the team has achieved in such a short space of time. I think we have a strong car and a great team to get things started in Jerez. It was important for me to learn as much as possible here so I can start to put some real mileage on the car next week."

Virgin will take part in its first group test next week at Jerez when it is expected to be joined by the seven teams that tested in Valencia as well as Red Bull and Force India.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.