Virgin puts backing in stars of the future
Virgin Racing is putting its backing behind the future stars of Formula One, with two initiatives announced last month. the first initiative is one that has been carried over from last year, where the best driver of their GP3 series team Manor Racing earns a November test in their Formula one car.

Last year, Rio Haryanto enjoyed half a day at the wheel of the VR-01 in Abu Dhabi, and this year he will be up against Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Matias Laine in the feeder series to GP2.

The team has also forged a partnership with new karting category Formula KGP in Britain. As part of this deal, the top three finishing drivers, as well as one 'wild card' karter, will win a Formula Renault test.

Williams opts for Michelin stars
Visitors to the Williams paddock motorhome during this coming season will be treated to some five-star dining after the Grove-based outfit announced a partnership with twice Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines. Caines is one of the UK's most acclaimed chef and has won countless awards.

“He has an outstanding reputation as one of Britain's most admired chefs and our relationship aims to bring his Michelin-stared food and hospitality to the team's motorhome facility over race weekends,” said Team Principal, Frank Williams. “We are very much looking forward to working with him over the coming months.”

McLaren breaks into NASCAR
McLaren Electronic Systems (MES), a subsidiary of McLaren Racing and supplier of F1's standard ECU, has won a deal to supply NASCAR with ECUs from 2012, meaning from that year they will be supplying two of the biggest racing series with their electronic control systems. The deal came about due to NASCAR's move from carburettors to fuel-injected engines.

“To have earned a role as a standard equipment supplier to the two most important motorsport series in the world is an incredible achievement for us,” said MES Managing Director, Peter van Manen. “We're absolutely delighted to be playing such a central role in the largest-growing sporting spectacle in North America.”

McLaren also recently announced an extended partnership with major sponsor Mobil 1 and a new partnership with CAD software company Dassault Systèmes.

Cosworth aims for 1,000 mph
F1 engine supplier Cosworth is playing its part in an attempting to break the land speed record, by supplying the rocket control system for the 135,000 hp jet engine that is hoped will power the Bloodhound SSC beyond the 1,000 mph (1,610 km/h) barrier by 2012.

Cosworth is also supplying the Bloodhound team with one of its CA2011 F1 engines (at relatively meagre 740 hp) to use for essential hydraulic services and to drive the rocket oxidiser pump, delivering 800 litres of High Test Peroxide (HTP) to the rocket in just 20 seconds.

Singha renews Red Bull sponsorship
Singha Beer's logos will continue to adorn the bodywork of world champions Red Bull's cars in 2011, after agreeing to extend their partnership following a successful 2010. The new deal will see Singha benefit from increased visibility, including an increased presence on the front nose of the RB7, while also continuing to support the team's VIP guest hospitality programme.