SMC University and Marussia Virgin Racing team up

The Marussia Virgin Racing Formula One Team is pleased to announce that it has agreed a new long-term partnership with SMC University, one of the world’s most international online business schools, educating students from more than 120 different countries. Synonymous with excellence, SMC University ranks among the leading institutions in its field of online education.

Based in Switzerland, SMC University offers a broad range of academic programmes and solutions and is especially well known for its online Doctorate and Masters programmes, which hold pole position amongst working professionals. SMC University offers its students the ability to enhance their careers in a flexible manner, without restriction according to ‘place and time’.

The partnership with Marussia Virgin Racing will allow SMC University to engage with the Formula One community as well as the Team, creating various off-track activities such as work experience programmes within the Marussia Virgin Racing commercial department as well as business symposiums at the team’s headquarters. This will afford the students the opportunity to benefit from sharing extensive knowledge and an enhanced learning experience.

As part of the new relationship, the SMC University logo will be displayed on the team clothing and mechanics’ firesuits, as well as on the race trucks, motorhome, garage, Paddock Club suite and website.

Andy Webb, CEO of Marussia Virgin Racing, commented: “I am delighted to welcome SMC University to the team as an Official Partner. This is an example of yet another tailor-made partnership to suit the requirements of our individual sponsors. We are extremely proud to be supporting the education sector and to be working with such a major league establishment. I think this will be another great opportunity for both parties to develop together and learn a great deal from each other.”

Michael Schmelczer, CEO of SMC University, commented: “I am delighted and proud to announce the partnership between SMC University and the Marussia Virgin Racing Formula One Team, especially since it is quite unique for a business school to seal an interest and investment in motorsport. SMC has always been driven to be unique, to be ahead, and to be in pole position. This partnership is a great signal to our learners and stakeholders as it proves that SMC’s approach, development, and position is at the top - otherwise we would not be here. Furthermore and most importantly, I am excited that SMC students can directly benefit from this partnership through internships, placements, business symposiums, Virgin company visits, meet and greet sessions with management and, of course, through experiencing a world where education, corporate life, motorsports, and "lifestyle" combine. These are just a few of the benefits we expect from the partnership. By working closely with the team over time we look forward to developing many, many more!"