Virgin Racing has become the first of Formula One's four new teams to fire up their engine ahead of the new season.

The car, the VR-01, is now on course to make its track debut in a shakedown at Silverstone on Thursday and Friday.

The sport's first all-digital challenger - as it has been designed and initially tested on computer rather than via any wind tunnel - will launch on-line on Wednesday.

For the team, the running of the Cosworth engine at least signals a forward step in their progress as they countdown towards the opening race of the new season in Bahrain on March 14.

Technical director Nick Wirth said: "I'm really happy to have done the fire-up checks, and to have reached this new milestone in our schedule as planned.

"I must say the VR-01 is looking quite a neat package, and we're all looking forward to seeing the car on-track for the first time on Thursday."