Virgin ink technology deal

Virgin Racing has announced a three-year partnership with IT firm UST Global.

For 2010 UST Global is developing a bespoke race management tool that will provide the race engineers a 360 degree trackside perspective as each Grand Prix unfolds. This software collation programme will integrate a number of different information data streams from the FIA and FOM, the GPS positioning of the cars out on track relative to the competition, plus FOM visual feeds to enable the engineers to optimise race strategy.

UST Global will also integrate the Wirth Research simulator with set-up data for the VR-01 to ensure a constant two-way correlation between both sets of inputs.

Additionally, UST Global will have a strong visual presence within the team. Their distinctive identity will appear on the VR-01 challenger, the race suit and paddock wear of race drivers Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi, team equipment, as well as the clothing of the race team and pit crew.

“We are delighted to welcome UST Global to Virgin Racing and to be entering into a partnership that will directly benefit our trackside operational performance," said Virgin CEO Graeme Lowdon. "Virgin Racing is a very young team but we have a clearly defined path for development which has inspired the confidence of a growing list of discerning companies and brands. We look forward to working with UST Global over the next few weeks to prepare for our debut race in Bahrain and the exciting 2010 season beyond.”

Joe Nalkara, President of UST Global said: “We are excited to be partnering with Virgin Racing. Formula One represents the pinnacle of racing, and like UST Global, Virgin Racing is a brand that epitomises customer experience and relationships. We are both next generation companies throwing aside convention to take on the establishment. These shared principles made it a natural choice for UST Global to partner with Virgin Racing over any other teams.”