Manor GP are to be rebranded Virgin Racing ahead of their Formula One debut next season.
Manor boss John Booth and Virgin supremo Richard Branson are due to announce the long-awaited sponsorship tie-up tomorrow.

The news has effectively been confirmed by motor sport’s world governing body, the FIA, as they have today announced the 2010 entry list for the F1 world championship.
Currently there are 12 teams, with the name Virgin Racing amongst the newcomers, joining Lotus F1 Racing, Campos Meta 1 and US F1 Team.


The issue of the 13th entry remains unresolved, although Sauber are widely expected to be granted a place on next year’s grid following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on December 11.
Peter Sauber last week regained control of the team he sold to BMW four years ago after the German manufacturing giant’s withdrawal from the sport.

‘I am very relieved about that development,’ said the 66-year-old Swiss who is hopeful the FIA will now look favourably on the team’s entry.
‘It would have been a crying shame had one of the best Formula One factories closed down. Regarding the slot on the grid, I am very confident we will be given a final confirmation very shortly.’

The Formula One Commission are due to discuss Toyota’s fate next week, again in Monaco on Wednesday.