Although the deal has not been confirmed, Manor are expected to be sponsored by Virgin, and be re-named Virgin F1.

BBC: Glock to lead new Manor F1 team

Next season's grid will be expanded after US F1, Campos, Virgin Racing and Lotus F1 were all ratified as new entrants in September.

BBC: US F1 and Campos deny Bernie Ecclestone's 2010 doubts

Now, the company are preparing to take a huge leap forward into F1 as the rebranded Virgin Racing team.

BBC: Lucas di Grassi joins new-look Virgin Formula 1 team

Di Grassi, whose move was exclusively predicted by BBC Radio Sheffield, became Renault's reserve driver in 2009 but will now make his F1 race debut with Virgin Racing.

BBC: Lucas di Grassi joins new-look Virgin Formula 1 team

Virgin are one of four new entrants joining F1 next season, along with US F1, Campos and Lotus F1.

BBC: Lucas di Grassi joins new-look Virgin Formula 1 team

The Virgin boss has hinted he could back an F1 team, but refused to confirm a direct link with Honda.

BBC: Branson hints at F1 involvement

Glock, who will be entering his third season in F1, signed a two-year deal to become Virgin's lead driver after finding himself without a drive for 2010 following Toyota's withdrawal.

BBC: Lucas di Grassi joins new-look Virgin Formula 1 team