Team Virgin to sponsor Brawn GP

mjstallard · 26 Mar 2009, 13:50 (Ref:2425266)

Not a title sponsor, but a great step forward for the team:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle5980935.ece

It's all starting to come together nicely

Marbot · 26 Mar 2009, 13:56 (Ref:2425273)

Not a bad start is it.

Which perhaps gives some indication of where next seasons budget may come from,particularly if the team does well.

nycuk · 26 Mar 2009, 17:02 (Ref:2425386)

More here http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73920

kristof14 · 26 Mar 2009, 18:26 (Ref:2425445)

I know around 100 friends who were told they were being made redundant today who will be less than pleased by this news.

Marbot · 26 Mar 2009, 18:52 (Ref:2425457)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristof14

I know around 100 friends who were told they were being made redundant today who will be less than pleased by this news.

Why so ?

kristof14 · 26 Mar 2009, 18:58 (Ref:2425463)

They all work in Virgin Media, the entire department has apparently been closed to save costs. Whilst only a small part of Virgin it can be frustrating to lose your job just as you parent company is about to announce it's going to spend millions sponsoring a couple of cars.

Marbot · 26 Mar 2009, 19:03 (Ref:2425465)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristof14

They all work in Virgin Media, the entire department has apparently been closed to save costs. Whilst only a small part of Virgin it can be frustrating to lose your job just as you parent company is about to announce it's going to spend millions sponsoring a couple of cars.

That's really sad to hear.But I assume that Virgin are putting money into F1 in order to get a bigger return from it.That's how it's supposed to work at any rate.

kristof14 · 26 Mar 2009, 19:06 (Ref:2425468)

I understand why Virgin are doing it, F1 is still one of the best places to advertise.

Just see it in a bit of a different way when it hits a bit closer to home!

G.Walker · 26 Mar 2009, 19:53 (Ref:2425498)

I also find this news concerning, considering how many Virgin Media staff are at risk of redundancy at the moment. The Virgin brand has stayed away from F1 because it was not considered cost effective. Whats Changed?

JasagRacer · 26 Mar 2009, 19:58 (Ref:2425502)

You think the media game is having rough times; try working in the construction industry; I have for 37 years and am hanging onto my job by my fingernails. Try getting another job when you are too old, too experienced, too qualified and have been well paid! You are likely to be better than the people interviewing you who will end up looking over their shoulder for their jobs if they employ you.

Anyway, Branson is no fool when it comes to publicity. He didn't end up having very successful companies by being an idiot.
I am sorry that people in Virgin have lost their jobs, but lets see what happens with Branson and Brawn GP.

the.cosmic.pope · 26 Mar 2009, 19:59 (Ref:2425503)

Whats changed is Lewis mania, BBC coverage and increased popularity of F1 in the UK.

Daniel Pinnegar · 26 Mar 2009, 21:29 (Ref:2425564)

I'm just glad that the medium to long-term future of Brawn GP is secured for the time being.

Don't get me wrong it's horrible for the guys and gals at Virgin that have lost their jobs but this recession will be over in a few years...at least I hope so. I'll just be getting out of University then. :P

johntt · 26 Mar 2009, 21:30 (Ref:2425566)

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.Walker

I also find this news concerning, considering how many Virgin Media staff are at risk of redundancy at the moment. The Virgin brand has stayed away from F1 because it was not considered cost effective. Whats Changed?

Branson doesn't own the team and has no liabilities. The team has saved itself so he can no do a nice, low-risk sponsorship deal instead.

Daniel Pinnegar · 26 Mar 2009, 21:33 (Ref:2425569)

Also, I guess that Branson's plans of starting his own team can materialise from here on in.

He said something like, he wants alot to change before he gets properly into F1! I'm assuming he can make more of an impact being on the inside now!

socram · 27 Mar 2009, 07:56 (Ref:2425908)

Having read Tom Bower's book about Branson, I'd be very wary of any business dealings with him....

Pingguest · 27 Mar 2009, 08:42 (Ref:2425932)

Very good start for Brawn GP. Maybe a sponsorship to provide Virgin the opportunity to buy the team at a later date?

mjstallard · 28 Mar 2009, 07:54 (Ref:2426841)

Maybe even within the next month or so:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73974

Personally I'd rather it'd become "Virgin Brawn GP" rather than "Virgin GP". But that's because I'm a saddo with overly romantic notions of a "privateer" team topping the timesheets

**GTRMagic** · 28 Mar 2009, 09:05 (Ref:2426904)

Somehow I wonder if BrawnGP will be able to get a 2nd name change up inside a month, with the diffuser issue, and a bloody outstanding competitive qualifying performance... there may be some sooky lalas in the paddock who wont let it happen

Mr Brawn's name is above the door because he owns the team. Its not just because he heads a great team of engineers.

The Virgin signage on the BrawnGP car is actually small relative to the hype surrounding the addition. Maybe STG4m a year at a rough guess?

JeremySmith · 28 Mar 2009, 09:10 (Ref:2426908)

I would prefer to see the team stay as Brawn Grand Prix...The Virgin involvement is great, but it's Ross Brawn's team now..

dsg · 28 Mar 2009, 09:35 (Ref:2426929)

Judging by the size and placement of the Virgin logos I'd say the total value of the sponsorship deal is not that big and far less than would buy naming rights. The Bridgestone logo on the front of the car is far more prominent.

JamesH · 28 Mar 2009, 09:52 (Ref:2426953)

Quote:

Originally Posted by socram

Having read Tom Bower's book about Branson, I'd be very wary of any business dealings with him....

Just like every other big businessman (and banker) out here then...

strider · 28 Mar 2009, 09:57 (Ref:2426957)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjstallard

Personally I'd rather it'd become "Virgin Brawn GP" rather than "Virgin GP". But that's because I'm a saddo with overly romantic notions of a "privateer" team topping the timesheets

Totally agree.

Anything more, such as a Virgin taking over the name of the team, would require 100% consent from the other teams. There may have been a massive feel-good attitude towards Brawn so far, but I don't think the honeymoon will last as long as that.

b1ackcr0w · 28 Mar 2009, 11:39 (Ref:2427034)

The BBC commentary did say this weekend's arrangement was an "interim" agreement while negotiations continue. I wonder if Ross is cannily running this weekend's unique situation as a sort of loss leader for a really major tie up? He's not playing anybody off against Branson, deffo one to keep a close eye on.

ukaskew · 28 Mar 2009, 12:18 (Ref:2427058)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsg

Judging by the size and placement of the Virgin logos I'd say the total value of the sponsorship deal is not that big and far less than would buy naming rights. The Bridgestone logo on the front of the car is far more prominent.

As far as I'm aware this is only an interim 'solution' to the last minute nature of everything, I wouldn't be surprised if a completely re-branded car appears by next weekend.

dsg · 28 Mar 2009, 13:07 (Ref:2427085)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukaskew

As far as I'm aware this is only an interim 'solution' to the last minute nature of everything, I wouldn't be surprised if a completely re-branded car appears by next weekend.

Even an interim solution (using the same decals) could have given the Virgin brand more prominence on the car.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Who will step out of the economic shadows to sponsor Brawn F1?	gotty	Formula One	46	28 Mar 2009 08:03
Davidson named as Brawn GP test driver	mjstallard	Formula One	35	27 Mar 2009 20:36
[Team] Brawn GP discussion ideas [MERGED]	djb	Formula One	51	20 Mar 2009 15:35
Will Ross Brawn be back in F1 next year/ Brawn to Honda confirmed (MAJOR COUP)	Greenback	Formula One	120	19 Nov 2007 13:11