FORMULA 1 2011

[MIKA27]

Webber encouraged by long-run pace

Mark Webber declared himself satisfied with the initial performance of the Red Bull RB7 following his first representative run in the new car on Thursday.

After a master cylinder failure severely curtailed his running time on Wednesday, the final day went much more smoothly as Webber completed 105 laps and finished fourth fastest.

The Australian’s pace over longer runs was particularly impressive, leaving him upbeat about the team’s progress.

“Today was the first good long run in the car for me, so we learn't a lot,” he said.

“There are some quick cars out there, but it was a good finish to the test for us.

“We had a good day one and day three, day two wasn’t quite so productive, but overall the team has done a bloody awesome job – to get the car here for the first test and do the work we’ve done straight out of the box, it’s impressive.”

Head of race engineering Ian Morgan added: “It’s been an encouraging start.

“We’ve had good reliability and a reasonable performance; it’s a solid foundation to start developing towards the first race of the season.”

[MIKA27]

Di Resta: Team can aim for podium

Paul di Resta says podium finishes are Force India's ultimate goal for 2011, but warned that he will still need time to get fully up to speed on his Formula 1 debut despite his Friday appearances last year.

Although Force India did not manage to repeat its Spa 2009 pole and podium last season, the team was generally more competitive in 2010 than it had been since its Jordan heyday - leaving di Resta optimistic that podiums this year are not out of the question.

Asked if he shared team-mate Adrian Sutil's top three ambitions, di Resta replied: "It's the whole team's ambition: regular points, but definitely when things are going right to be on the podium.

"I don't think that's too far out of reach given how the team has performed at Spa and Monza in recent years.

"Really it all comes down to Bahrain and when everybody gets the latest spec car on the track for qualifying, that gives us an indication of whether it's going to be a good year ahead or one with a lot of work.

"I'm sure everybody's a bit nervous of that."

Di Resta, Sutil and reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg are using the 2010 Force India this week, with the 2011 model not due out until the second test, which the Scot said had always been the plan.

"It was a decision we took very early, way back in the early stages of last year, that this was the approach we were going to have," he explained.

"And the designers have worked that way, leaving the car in the wind-tunnel as long as possible before signing things off."

Di Resta appeared in Friday morning practice at eight grands prix last year as part of his third driver deal with Force India - but warned he still had a huge amount to learn about F1, especially with relatively little pre-season running available.

"If you actually look back at how many laps I've done at tracks we drove on last year, it wasn't actually a lot," he said.

"And every track was new, there wasn't a track that I had done [before], even up to Silverstone.

"In recent times they were getting more winter testing, now it is very restricted at the beginning of the year and it's shared out between both drivers."

But he said that while his Friday role was no substitute for F1 race experience, it had still given him a headstart.

"I enjoyed the whole experience last year and it was an important thing to do," said di Resta.

"Certainly this year it's not all new, and driving this car at the beginning of the year also gets you back in the swing of things."

[MIKA27]

McLaren launch 'radical' MP4-26 in Berlin

McLaren have revealed a radically different 2011 car at the Kaisersaal centre in Berlin, Germany.

The MP4-26 features striking sidepods shaped like the letter 'L' as well as a 2010 Mercedes style airbox.

The car is extremely compact, with a low centre of gravity to aid stability. Another obvious feature is the high nose which has become a trend up and down the grid for this season.

The car will see its first on-track action in Jerez on the 10th February with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel.

Check out the images below:

[MIKA27]

Online launch for Force India's VJM04

Force India have revealed that they will launch their 2011 car online via an exclusive broadcast on February 8th at 2pm.

The VJM04 will the make its on-track debut in Jerez on the 10th after they joined McLaren, Virgin and Hispania in delaying their launches until after the first test or, in HRT's case, the third test.

The next launch is set to take place on Monday when Virgin will launch their MVR-02 at the BBC's Television Centre.

[MIKA27]

Virgin to race under Russian license in 2011

Virgin Racing will race under the Russian flag for the 2011 season and beyond after the team received confirmation that its Russian racing license had been granted.

The move to strengthen ties with Russia follows a 'significant' buy-in from Russian sports car manufacturer, Marussia Motors earlier this year.

The companies president, Nikolai Fomenko, revealed the news after expressing a desire to turn the small, Diddington based outfit into a fully-fledged Russian team.

"On Monday, February 7th, we will officially announce that Marussia Virgin Racing is not just the first Russian team, but the first team with a Russian licence. This means that for a victory the Russian anthem will be played," he confirmed.

The team are set to reveal their 2011 car, the MVR-02, on Monday at the BBC Televsion Centre in London.

MIKA: I doubt very much we will ever hear the Russian anthem played then seeing the racer in 2010 was hardly competitive.

[MIKA27]

Track markings will indicate wing usage

It has become apparent that the FIA will paint markings on the track surface to ensure fans and commentators know when and where the adjustable rear-wing can be activated.

The new overtaking aid has come in for much criticism, with the worry that fans won't understand when it's in use - to address this matter, two white lines will be painted on the corner leading onto the main straight to indicate when two drivers are within a second of one another.

Another white line will be painted further down the main straight to indicate when the wing can be lowered into the drag-reducing position.

This line will begin 600 metres before the next corner, in which the flap will return to the default position upon application of the brakes.

The magic number of '600 metres' was chosen by the FIA after much research, to ensure overtaking wouldn't become too easy, but was possible.

The usable zone in Bahrain will be along the start/finish straight, this is the same for Australia and Malaysia.

[MIKA27]

McLaren duo divided on Schumacher

Jenson Button believes Michael Schumacher will up his game in 2011 after a disappointing comeback season, but Lewis Hamilton is less convinced.

Speaking at the launch of the McLaren MP4-26 in Berlin, the duo spoke at length about the thrill of competing in a season in which there will be five World Champions on the grid but Hamilton was initially reluctant to talk specifically about the under-performing Schumacher.

However, the 2008 World Champion relented and gave his views on the matter.

"He's a seven-times World Champion so you have to assume he will be at his best this year if he wants to be, and if his car and his team have done a good job," explained the Briton.

"Personally I don't think it's going to be much different to the previous season but he can easily prove us wrong," he added.

Button, who won the World title with now-Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn, backed the Brackley-based squad and Schumacher to improve in 2011.

"I think Mercedes will be competitive, yes," said Button.

"With Ross (Brawn) at the helm they will produce a competitive car and give Nico and Michael a chance to have good results. They are definitely a team that will be fighting for victories this year.

"I think when Michael gets the car around him that he feels he has been a part of, he will be competitive," he added.

[MIKA27]

Kubica injured in Italian rally accident

Robert Kubica has been 'seriously injured' in a rally accident, the Renault team have confirmed.

The Renault driver had been competing in the Ronde di Andora rally, with reports suggesting he hit a church wall at high speed in his rally car, a Skoda Fabia, during stage one.

He suffered several fractures to his right arm, leg and hand - injuries which will most likely rule him out for the opening races of the season.

The injuries sustained to his hand had prompted rumours that his hand may need to be amputated, but a specialst hand surgeon has been called in and is currently working on the 26-year-old.

"Surgeons are trying to re-establish the functionality of his right hand," his manager Daniele Morelli told reporters.

"They have already revascularized the limb and repaired the bone structure. Now they have to think about the muscular functions but Robert has strong character and he will make it."

The Renault team confirmed the Pole was conscious after being rushed to Hospital by helicopter. His co-driver, Jacub Gerber is confirmed to be unhurt.

The Team issued the following statement: "Lotus Renault GP driver, Robert Kubica, suffered an accident at high speed this morning while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally.

"The driver was airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital, where he is currently undergoing medical checks. His co-driver is fine. Lotus Renault GP will issue another statement as soon as more information is known about Robert’s condition."

They later added: "After undergoing extensive medical checks this morning, Robert Kubica has been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm, leg and hand. He is currently undergoing surgery at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure."

[MIKA27]

Chandhok to get Lotus running in Jerez

Karun Chandhok will test for Team Lotus in Jerez next week with a view to joining the squad as a reserve driver.

The outfit have opted to evaluate the former-HRT driver, by giving him a chance to test the T128 during the four-day test. It's not yet confirmed on which day he will drive.

The Indian joined the team in Valencia last week as a guest, but he wasn't shy when he expressed his interest to sign with the squad, although he admitted it was down to team principal Tony Fernandes whom told Reuters the decision would be down to his testing results.

"We would like him to be reserve driver but we've got to see whether it all works out, that's the plan," said the Malaysian businessman.

"He is going to get a couple of slots in the testing now in Jerez and Barcelona. And then we'll decide after that."

[MIKA27]

Boullier defends Kubica's right to rallying

Reanult team principal Eric Boullier has defended Robert Kubica's right to go rallying during the off-season.

The Renault driver sustained several fractures following an accident during the Ronde di Andora rally in Italy on Sunday. The extent of his injuries will remain unknown for at least a week, according to his doctors, and he could be out for the entire 2011 season.

Boullier though is adamant the team aren't at fault for allowing him to compete outside of Formula One.

"Robert is a person we love dearly. We are extremely sad and obviously shocked," he told Il Vostro Giornale.

"Whether it's a Lotus, a Renault or a Skoda it doesn't make any difference - it's nothing to do with business."

The Frenchman believes Kubica must be allowed to do what he loves, despite both of them knowing, and today experiencing, the risks.

"We've let him do it because rallying is what he loves to do. Rallying is vital for Robert and for his sanity. Besides that, there is a reciprocal agreement. We knew the risks and so did he. We didn't want a robot or a corporate man for a driver."

[MIKA27]

What Could Have Been: Team Lotus Livery

Team Lotus have unveiled their 'what could have been' black and gold livery for the 2011 season, had it not been for Lotus-Renault.

The Tony Fernandes owned outfit launched a competition to design a brand new livery as the outfit, formerly known as Lotus Racing, was rebranded Team Lotus, harking back to the JPS (John Player Special) days.

However, the plan fell apart after Group Lotus teamed up with Renault to become Lotus-Renault GP and also chose to launch a black and gold livery.

This led to Team Lotus coming to the decision to stick with Green and Yellow - the colours they ran with in their debut season.

All is not lost though. Lotus were so impressed with this entry from Raphael Campos that they have chosen to paint one of their show cars in the livery.

Official 2011 Livery below:

[MIKA27]

The latest update on Robert Kubica

[sunday 23:27 GMT]

Robert Kubica underwent a seven-hour operation at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure this afternoon. The Lotus Renault GP driver had been diagnosed with multiple fractures to his right arm and leg following a high-speed accident at the Ronda de Andora rally this morning. He also suffered severe cuts to his forearm, which could have an impact on his right hand mobility.

Doctors are reasonably satisfied with the way the operation went. Tonight, Robert's condition remains stable but serious. He has been placed into an induced coma and could be woken up in the morning.

Professor Mario Igor Rossello, Director for the Regional Centre of Hand Surgery at San Paolo Hospital in Savona: “It has been a very important and difficult operation. Robert Kubica's right forearm was cut in two places, with significant lesions to the bones and the tendons. We did our best to rebuild the functions of the forearm. It took seven doctors, split into two teams and a total of seven hours to complete the operation. One team was the emergency task force from the hospital of San Paolo (Savona) that is normally appointed to treat this sort of injury, while the other team came from the orthopaedic department of the Santa Corona Hospital (Pietra Ligure). At the end of the operation, Robert's hand was well vascularised and warm, which is encouraging. Following the surgery, Robert Kubica will remain under permanent monitoring overnight because his condition remains serious.”

Eric Boullier, Team Principal and Managing Director of Lotus Renault GP: "The news of Robert's accident came as a real shock to the whole team. All of us, at Lotus Renault GP, wish him a quick recovery. We have been really impressed with the way the doctors looked after him today and we would like to thank the whole team of the Santa Corona Hospital for their professional approach and dedication. I will be traveling to Italy tomorrow, along with Vitaly Petrov, in order to see Robert and tell him that we are impatiently waiting for his return."

Another update will be made tomorrow morning at 09:30 hours, at the hospital, by Prof. Rossello and Daniel Morelli, Robert's manager.

[OZCUBAN]

What a shame Kubica is a real talent (given the right car) lets hope he can over come his injuries and resume racing sometime this year ,and that the injuries are not career ending

OZ

[MIKA27]

What a shame Kubica is a real talent (given the right car) lets hope he can over come his injuries and resume racing sometime this year ,and that the injuries are not career ending

OZ

It is a shame indeed.

Reading all the news as it filters through, it's not looking great at the moment as he may lose his arm/hand.

[MIKA27]

Pirelli: Looking good despite degradation

Pirelli are adamant their new tyres are ready for the challenge of Formula One following the pre-season test.

Earlier this week at Valencia, the F1 teams put the Pirelli tyres to the test with eight teams using their 2011 cars.

The feedback from the drivers was positive despite the cold conditions resulting in high tyre degradation.

"When it is too cold the tyres are slipping, and it is also a track that is hardly representative as well," Pirelli motorsport boss Paul Hembery told Autosport.

"All tyres degrade and that is something people seem to have forgotten over the last few days. We have been using the medium compound primarily and we are very happy with how that is going."

However, Hembrey is confident that the degradation will not cause too many problems as the tyres' performance stabilised after a few laps.

"It is two levels - degradation and wear. Wear is the way the compound is consumed on the tyre, which is different from degradation.

"There you move from a peak of performance to a stabilised performance - and that is in line with what we see and we understand."

There was, however, one common complaint amongst the teams and that related to the oversteer many were suffering.

Hembrey, though, says he was a bit surprised by this as in the past Pirelli had been asked to design a tyre a stronger front tyre.

"Last year they were all talking about understeer and they didn't like that, so it is a moving target. It will suit some people's driving style more than others.

"They asked very clearly for us to have a more robust stronger front tyre, which is what we delivered, and by its nature if you make the front tyres stronger then you change the balance.

"So, if they want a stronger rear tyre then that is something we will do for 2012 - and then they will probably complain it is understeering. You have to try to balance the requirements with 12 different chassis.

"It is different when you work with one team and you can do a lot of work to make your product ideal for that application, which is what you do in a single chassis series like GP2 or GP3.

"But there are 12 different teams and, despite them all looking from distance very similar, in reality they all have their own peculiarities and different ideas, so to favour one over the other would be wrong."

[MIKA27]

Gerber: I didn't see what happened

Robert Kubica's co-driver Jakub Gerber says he didn't notice the car skidding when they crashed on Sunday morning, seriously injuring Kubica.

Kubica was starting the opening stage of the Ronde di Andora Rally, near Genoa, when his Skoda Fabia left the road and hit a wall of a church at high speed.

The Renault F1 driver, who remains at the Santa Corona Hospital in Pietra Ligure having undergone a seven-hour surgery to save his hand, had to be cut from the wreckage of the car, and was airlifted to hospital.

Local health authority official Roberto Carrozzino said it had taken two hours for Kubica to arrive at the hospital in Pietra Ligure because it was difficult to extract him from the car.

His co-driver Gerber escaped unhurt.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "We were on the first four kilometres of the first special stage.

"I was looking at the notes and didn't notice that the car was skidding.

"Only when we crashed I saw Robert holding his arm, and after a few moments he lost consciousness.

"Robert isn't just a great driver, he is a friend. I just hope he can recover soon."

MIKA: Looking at that Photo, I'd say Gerber was asleep!

[MIKA27]

'Teams will be hesitant to issue orders'

Jenson Button believes teams may have learnt a lesson from Ferrari last season and won't be that quick to implement team orders.

Last year, Ferrari created uproar when they ordered Felipe Massa to move over, handing team-mate Fernando Alonso the German GP victory. At the time team orders were banned and Ferrari were hit with a $100,000 fine.

The Scuderia's actions prompted a rethink of the regulations with the FIA ruling that, as of this season, teams may again use team orders.

However, given how Massa's form slumped in the wake of Germany as he seemingly lost his motivation, Button believes teams will think twice before forcing a driver to play second fiddle.

"I don't think it (team orders from an early stage of the season) will happen, I really don't," the McLaren driver told Reuters.

"I think they (teams) will realise that two drivers are better than one. For setting a car up you need two experienced drivers.

"If you are putting all your eggs in one basket, the other driver's not going to feel like giving you feedback, is he?

"He's not going to feel like pushing the car to the limit. He's not going to qualify well and he's not going to race well.

"If I had a team I would have both drivers having a fair shot at it because they are going to push each other hard."

He added: "I hope that drivers are allowed to race fairly.

"You do all this hard work of getting to Formula One and fighting your way through the lower ranks and you arrive and you should be given fair treatment."

The Brit is also adamant that at no stage will his own McLaren team contemplate ordering either himself or team-mate Lewis Hamilton to give up on their own dream of Championship glory.

"You could say it (team orders) are great because all the points go to one driver but the morale within the team must be terrible because one driver always knows he is on the back foot.

"It can't be positive for a team to be in that environment, to have one driver know that he's got to give a place up.

"I am happy with the position that we have in the (McLaren) team with no team orders, it's the way it should be when you are both World Champions.

"You both want to fight for a World Championship again, you don't want to give each other an inch on the circuit."

[MIKA27]

Marussia Virgin reveals the MVR-02

Marussia Virgin Racing have become the latest team to reveal their 2011 car, the MVR-02, at the BBC Television Studio's today.

The car has similarities to its former model, the VR-01, with both being 100% designed by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Unlike much of the grid, the car features a lower nose, bucking the recent trend.

Marussia Virgin Racing Team Principal John Booth commented on the new car: "We had a tough but incredibly rewarding baptism into Formula One last season and I am extremely proud that we proved ourselves to be more than equal to the challenge.

"We are also very proud to be competing as Marussia Virgin Racing in 2011 and we look forward to rewarding the faith that Marussia demonstrated in the team when it made such a significant investment at the end of last year."

“2011 is all about moving forward and starting to achieve solid results. We have a very exciting driver line-up in Timo Glock and Jérôme d'Ambrosio. Timo did an exceptional job in difficult circumstances last season and contributed a great deal to the car’s development and that of our racing team. We will certainly benefit from the continuity that Timo brings. He has been working very hard over the winter and is in top physical and mental shape for our second season together. We are also delighted to welcome Jerome in his debut season of Formula One competition. He did an excellent job during his evaluation period towards the end of last season and he demonstrated in testing last week that he clearly has the bit between his teeth. He is a very exciting young talent and we are enjoying seeing his clear potential unfold with each outing in the car.

"The MVR-02 is a clear step forward in every area and a credit to all the hard work that has gone into our car development programme over the past 12 months. We are delighted to be working with our engine supplier Cosworth for a second season of collaboration. Despite the freeze on engine development they have been working hard on reliability and performance optimisation over the winter and we fully expect a continuation of the success they enjoyed in their return to the sport in 2010. The sport has the added challenge of a new tyre supplier in Pirelli but we have made good progress with tailoring our mechanical package to suit the new Pzero tyres in the group tests in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2010 and in Valencia last week.

"Generally, we have every reason to believe that 2011 will be a very exciting and positive experience for our team."

[MIKA27]

Briatore predicts Kubica comeback in six months

Former Renault F1 boss, Flavio Briatore, visited injured Robert Kubica on Monday and has said that he expects the Pole to be back in the cockpit within five or six months.

Briatore told Italian media that he found the 26-year old in good spirits and already talking about returning to the sport.

"I've found him well, I'm very happy he has improved and I'm glad I came to visit him."

"We didn't talk about the crash itself, but more in general about Formula 1 and his chances to come back to racing soon. Considering his ability to recover and his fitness, I bet he'll be back in good form within five or six months."

Although Briatore's comments sound promising, specialist hand sugeons have insisted that it is still to early to determine whether Kubica will be able to make a comeback at all.

"It's impossible to predict," Dr Igor Rossello said. "With the nerve system you never know, and a lot will depend on the patient's will."

"[However] Racing drivers are exceptional people, able to slash recovery times. I had a patient who recovered 90 per cent of the hand's functionality."

Support for Kubica has been flooding in from teams and drivers alike, thus showing that although competition on the track is fierce, solidarity between the competitors remains the number one priority.

[ryans]

"On Monday, February 7th, we will officially announce that Marussia Virgin Racing is not just the first Russian team, but the first team with a Russian licence. This means that for a victory the Russian anthem will be played," he confirmed.

The team are set to reveal their 2011 car, the MVR-02, on Monday at the BBC Televsion Centre in London.

I believe the Midland F1 team raced with a Russian license in the 2006 season, so they are not the first team with a Russian license

[MIKA27]

"On Monday, February 7th, we will officially announce that Marussia Virgin Racing is not just the first Russian team, but the first team with a Russian licence. This means that for a victory the Russian anthem will be played," he confirmed.

The team are set to reveal their 2011 car, the MVR-02, on Monday at the BBC Televsion Centre in London.

I believe the Midland F1 team raced with a Russian license in the 2006 season, so they are not the first team with a Russian license

RyanS - BINGO!!

You are 100% right. Midland F1 Racing was the old Jordan Grand Prix team purchased by Canadian businessman and owner of Midland Group, Alex Shnaider. Scnaiders' roots are Russian however they were still based in the UK.

Damn, it wasn't that long ago, 2006, but hearing that team name sounds like it was so long ago. Remember they had Tiago Monteiro and Christijan Albers driving for them. Thanks for the memories.

[MIKA27]

Liuzzi keen to replace good friend Kubica

Vitantonio Liuzzi, a good friend of Robert Kubica, is hoping that the Renault team will consider him as a suitable replacement for the 2011 season.

It is becoming increasingly clear that 26-year-old Kubica won't be able to compete for the majority of the season, with surgeon's admitting they are unsure of when his injuries will heal to an extent that he'll be able to compete in Formula One again.

This unfortunate event could present an opportunity for the Italian to remain on the grid after Force India opted to run Paul di Resta in his place. Liuzzi is adamant though that the Pole's health is his main priority.

"I have spoken to many, not those directly involved, but many journalists," he told 422Race. "Personally, I believe that Robert's health is the first priority.

"Then, it is normal that when Renault are sure that Robert will not be able to drive, there might be this chance [to fill in] and I hope it would be me rather than another driver. But then again, Robert's health is the top priority."

It may seem disrespectful to discuss the Renault drivers replacement just days after he suffered his injuries in a horrifying rally accident, but F1 is a sport which never stands still.

It's not surprising that the outfit will already be looking for a reserve. Kimi Raikkonen is a name which has been thrown around, however the Finn is unlikely to drop rallying for a sport he has fallen out of love with.

Other names include Renault's reserve drivers, Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean. Whoever they choose, nobody can replace Kubica.

MIKA: Why would Renault hire Vitantonio Liuzzi to drive for them? IMO, he was an underperforming driver and I am pleased to see they replaced him at Force India. I hope they get someone talented to replace Kubica.

On the same note, I am really happy to see Petrov remain on the team. He deserves a second season.

[MIKA27]

Glock sets sights on early season points

Timo Glock says Virgin Racing is aiming to score points from the beginning of the season, following the launch of the MVR-02 in London today.

The 28-year-old German admits the team cannot close the gap to the top 10 on pace alone in just one off-season, but says Virgin still has to target scoring early in the year.

"We want to grab points in first races and then work from there," he said. "We are much more sorted out, more structured, we have one year experience so we should be on a good way.

"But we have to realistic, we were 3-4 seconds off the pace last year and you never catch 3-4 seconds in winter time, so we have to make some improvement and then move up.

"I am hoping for a realistic step. I am happy to do a proper step over the winter with the team together and be strong in first races. When you see back to lots of crashes and technical problems - that is where we struggled last year and that is where we have to be strong."

Glock added that he is happy to be back with Virgin this season, despite some difficult times last year.

"I just want to be part of it," he said. "Sure, we had some time especially in the first couple of races where we were walking past each other.

"But it was clear you never come into F1 and you are in top three, if that happens then the rest are doing something wrong. In the end, we are a team and we came out much stronger, and we should be better in the second year."

Team principal John Booth added that his primary aim is for the team to reach the second stage of qualifying: "Our first target is regular spots in Q2, that's a good platform to move from. We want to be there as much as possible."

[OZCUBAN]

MIKA: Why would Renault hire Vitantonio Liuzzi to drive for them? IMO, he was an underperforming driver and I am pleased to see they replaced him at Force India. I hope they get someone talented to replace Kubica.

On the same note, I am really happy to see Petrov remain on the team. He deserves a second season.

Well said Mika ,there are plenty of other up and coming drivers out there ,give one of them a chance,maybe they can lure Kimi R away from rallying

[MIKA27]

Wirth keen to take on established teams

Virgin Racing technical director Nick Wirth wants his outfit to stretch its ambitions beyond just beating fellow 'new teams' in 2011, as he sets sights on making the step to challenge more established outfits.

After an intense season-long battle with Lotus Racing and HRT in 2010, as the three teams fought it out for 10th place in the constructors' championship, Wirth is eager for more widespread competition in the season ahead.

That means not just beating Lotus and HRT - but in making the step to becoming regular Q2 qualifiers, which should put Virgin on course to score its first world championship points.

"Our first and foremost thing is to beat the people who joined us last year, but we want to go beyond that," he said at the launch of the team's 2011 car in London on Monday.

"We thought we were between one and two seconds off, in terms of pure speed, of being able to get into Q2, and that is what we have tried to find this winter so that we can give our drivers a chance to fight their way into Q2 on a regular basis.

"With drivers of the quality we have, with good team work, once you are in that position, history tells you then you have a really good chance of picking up your first point at some point, without an absolute fluke. And that is when things get interesting."

Wirth believes a more developed aerodynamic package for the MVR-02, plus the team's first use of a blown diffuser, will help deliver it a good step forward this season.

"We did not have a blown diffuser last year, which was one of the key technologies that people were talking about last year, as well as the F-duct.

"The blown diffuser has been very interesting and certainly there are some interesting solutions out there already, as we've seen a Renault with a rear engine and a front exhaust and there are lots of interesting solutions.

"We have one which we focused a lot of effort on and we hope proves effective, and it certainly seems to be like that in the wind tunnel [simulation]."

Wirth says the priority at the start of the 2011 season is to ensure reliability - so the team can capitalise and try and score its first points while others have a greater chance of hitting trouble.

That is why the team is planning to hold back on any major development update until the start of the European season at Istanbul.

"The next time you will really notice anything on our car will be Turkey as I am sure us, along with anybody else, will be holding back a major update until then for logistical reasons really," he said.

"Our aim for the first four flyaway races is to be reliable – that is first and foremost important. You have all those KERS cars out there, which may or may not go wrong, and I am not sure people will be really happy driving cars with 800 volt electrics in the pouring rain in Malaysia.

"So you have that drama to deal with, and we hope to learn the lessons of last year which is where we fell behind our rival new teams. We were hopelessly unreliable in the first flyaway races and they had a modicum of reliability in the first races and that allowed them to pick up this 13th place – which set them on the course to be ahead of us in the championship despite our better performance at the end of the year."

When asked if he felt any personal pressure about the need for Virgin Racing to take a good step forward in 2011, Wirth said: "I just love it – I love the pressure.

"There were some things that went wrong last year that were outside of our control, but I took it on the chin and took one for the team, but there were things that we really, really did not get right – the lubrication systems in the gearbox in particular which were absolutely down to us and we want to right those wrongs.

"The pressure doesn't worry me; it is the excitement of achieving things which is what I look forward to."