Branson’s Manor switch confirmed by Fry

Brawn GP chief executive Nick Fry has confirmed that Richard Branson's Virgin Group will sponsor the new Manor Formula One team from next season.

"We've had a great relationship with Virgin," he told Autosport magazine. "You have noticed different stickers from Virgin on the car over the year, and that is the result of additional requests from their side, which has increased our income as well, which is nice. I think they have had a great initiation into F1, and we are helping where we can in advice about what they can do with Manor.

"I really do hope they are successful not only next year but beyond, because they are a good company and it is a good company for F1 to have."

Brawn GP will not, however, be struggling to find sponsors, according to Fry, who insists the money is in place to fund the championship-leading team for the next three years.

"We've signed some nice contracts, and those will come out into the open when we launch the car next year, but we will see what happens. There is zero worry on our side," he said.

Team principal Ross Brawn added: "We know we are going to be racing for the next three years at least in this championship - and I hope beyond, I hope we don't get into discussions about alternative championships again."