Virgin, Force India, make Silverstone debuts

Virgin on Thursday became the first of F1's four new teams to get a car up and running.

In the hands of Timo Glock, the newly launched VR-01 began a two-day shakedown on bitterly cold Silverstone's shorter Stowe circuit.

The team said the German driver completed a "few exploratory laps", and a photo showed the new black and red car fitted with rain tyres.

"The programme really gets underway tomorrow (Friday) with a full day of on-track evaluation for both Timo and Lucas (di Grassi)," said technical director Nick Wirth.

Earlier this week, Virgin said 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.

It is also believed that Force India's new VJM03 made its debut outing at Silverstone on Thursday.