News 2004
Virgin Mobile backs young driving talent with sponsorship of British Formula BMW team
08/04/2004
Virgin Mobile, the UK’s fastest growing mobile network, is delighted to confirm its sponsorship of the British Formula BMW team set up by Barwell Motorsport, in a bid to establish one of the most high-profile young driver support schemes in British motorsport - The Virgin Mobile Scholarship.
The Virgin Mobile Scholarship was created with the help of former racing driver and ever-popular television personality Tiff Needell in conjunction with Barwell Motorsport. The scheme will provide
funding in 2004 for Virgin Mobile’s three Formula BMW UK Championship contenders to compete. The drivers are: 20-year-old Sam Edwards, 17-year-old Matt Harris and 22-year-old Ollie Smith.
Virgin Mobile decided to extend its sponsorship into the world of four-wheeled motorsport to complement the company’s established involvement in motorcycle racing. Virgin Mobile has been the title-sponsor of the Yamaha British Superbike team since 1999 and last year it was instrumental in setting up the Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup - a one-make motorcycling Championship designed to find young champions of the future.
Virgin Mobile’s brand director, James Kydd said: “As a brand that prides itself on its strong links with the youth market and one that has enjoyed a highly successful relationship with Yamaha in British Superbikes and the Virgin Mobile R6 Cup it seemed the natural progression for us. We have already seen the benefits of our sponsorship in helping young talented riders realise their dreams with the R6 Cup and it is something that we are hoping to duplicate with The Virgin Mobile Scholarship. We have high hopes for this Championship and wish Sam, Matt, Ollie and the team the very best of luck for 2004.”
Tiff Needell said: “We are delighted to have such a high-profile brand as Virgin Mobile on board and we are certain that their input will make a great deal of difference for everyone in the team. For many years I have wanted to put something back into the sport and my involvement with Barwell Motorsport has been the catalyst in setting up The Virgin Mobile Scholarship.”
