Virgin announces management reshuffule

Virgin Racing has announced a management reshuffle ahead of the 2011 F1 season, with former Jordan and Force India commercial chief Ian Phillips amongst the new additions to the team.

Phillips will take the role of chief operating officer while the president of Marussia Motors, Nikolay Fomenko, will become engineering director of the Marussia-backed team.

Marussia's UK Managing Director, Andy Webb, take the position of CEO which means Graeme Lowdon moves to a new role of team president - where he will focus on improveing the team's position in the sport as representive with both the F1 commision and FOTA.

John Booth will remain in the role of team principal and director of racing.

"The Board of Directors has reviewed and examined all aspects of the team's commercial and racing operations during its debut F1 season in order to ascertain what is required to move the team forward quickly and prudently," team chairman Darryl Eales said. "The changes announced today, together with Marussia's wealth of knowledge and experience, provide us with a solid foundation as we enter our second season. I believe we are very fortunate to have such depth of commercial and racing leadership as we embark on the next step in our ambitious plans for the team.

"Moreover, Marussia's firm commitment will continue to enable us to put in place the right people, resources and infrastructure to ensure the team advances significantly over the next two seasons and beyond. I have no doubt the team can look forward to exciting and rewarding times ahead."

Virgin will launch its 2011 car next week in London.