Lack of success won’t prevent future involvement for Branson

Despite Virgin Racing’s lack of success so far in the sport – the team are still searching for their first point after 25 grands prix – Branson sees no need to pull the sponsorship plug.

The team are certainly reliant on Branson’s involvement given the variety of other brands that have come on board since they first came into F1 at the start of last year.

Although their title sponsor is Russian sports car manufacturer Marussia, it is the name Virgin that remains the lure, and Branson is happy to retain his support.

“I’m committed. I thoroughly enjoy Virgin’s involvement with the team and the sport, and hope it will be for a while,” said Branson, speaking at the team’s paddock facility for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix where drivers Jerome d’Ambrosio and Timo Glock finished 15th and 16th respectively.

“Of course this isn’t my team, we’re effectively a sponsor, but for as long as we’re helpful to Marussia and the team then we will stay involved.

“Having Virgin on the car is great for all the Virgin companies. I watched the Monaco Grand Prix a couple of weeks ago and we received great coverage, so we’re still very happy.

“Hopefully, Marussia can use the Virgin brand to start raising its profile globally, and I’m very happy to be used when needed.”

Branson naturally admits the next step for the team, which recently dispensed with the services of technical director Nick Wirth, is to start making significant progress on the track.

“Reliability has been much better, but everybody with the team accepts performance needs to improve,” added Branson.

“The team have made tough decisions, and they’ve one or two quite exciting things they’ve told me about which will hopefully see them go up the grid soon.

“Marussia are fantastic owners, they’ve the kind of deep pockets the team need and they’re very committed to it.”