Virgin and Manor GP united for 2010

The sponsorship contract between Virgin and Manor GP has been confirmed according to the newspaper The Guardian, which published the information on Friday based on an email claiming that the deal has been finalized.

There have been intense speculations for a few weeks that Richard Branson’s company could support one of the new entrants in Formula 1. A source even explains that the team has informed other potential sponsors that Virgin will indeed be its high-profile partner in 2010.

Manor has even hinted at this operation since the team boss John Booth stated last week that he did not wish to comment on the commercial operations, probably still in development…

However, The Guardian published a message from Alan Donnelly, an official representative of Max Mosley, in which Virgin had indeed concluded the deal several weeks ago.

According to the email: « Virgin has signed a partnership, with a share of approximately 20%. »

Although this information seems quite reliable, Donnelly’s involvement in this transaction has added new intrigue. Several teams are talking about a conflict of interest in his role as a technical advisor for the FIA.

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) had already written to the FIA questioning Donnelly’s neutrality in his role as a delegate. The Board insists that any support for the new teams aims to strengthen the network and improve the sport.

However, The Guardian also revealed that Donnelly proposed a deal with the Saudi royal family to Manor.

« I will be in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to seeing you at our meeting… with representatives from Manor and Virgin, » wrote Donnelly in his email, sent to the Saudi royal family.

« However, if you would like a private meeting with me on Sunday, then please let me know. »

Donnelly himself insists that his visit to Saudi Arabia was official. He was representing the FIA and was to meet with the Ministry of Sports, potential investors in new circuits, and the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation.