Glock takes the new Virgin car out for its first run at Silverstone

Virgin Racing got their Formula 1 debut up and running as Timo Glock took the car for a first run at Silverstone.

The German, along with rookie team-mate Lucas di Grassi, will complete the two-day test on Friday after a few exploratory laps on Thursday.

Technical director Nick Wirth said: "After 10 challenging months, all the commitment and determination has finally paid off."

Virgin are one of four new teams joining the grid in 2010.

Wirth added: "The programme really gets under way on Friday with a full day of on-track evaluation for both Timo and Lucas."

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Glock, who missed the final three grands prix of last year through injury following a crash in qualifying ahead of the race in Japan, was thrilled to be back behind the wheel.

He said: "It was a fantastic moment for myself and the whole team to see the VR-01 come alive. It's great to be back in a racing car."

Following Friday's track action the Cosworth-powered team will join the majority of the grid for the second winter test in Jerez, Spain for four days of testing from next Wednesday.

Virgin are the first team to show off a car designed entirely by computer and without recourse to wind tunnels.

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