Ross Brawn has conceded it is "unlikely" his team will continue their sponsorship deal with Virgin next season.
Sir Richard Branson unlikely to back world champions in 2010
Ross Brawn has conceded that it is "unlikely" his team will continue their sponsorship deal with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group next season.
Virgin stepped in to back Brawn GP just before the start of the season after the team was formed in the wake of Honda's departure from F1.
The partnership paid dividends for both sides as Jenson Button claimed the drivers' championship and the team went on to win the constructors' title.
However, Brawn has now admitted that he does not expect the deal to continue in 2010.
"We had a great year with Virgin but they have different ambitions next year so it's unlikely you will see their name on the car next year," he said.
"They had the faith or good luck to be with us from the start and won a championship with us but it doesn't look like they will continue."
While Brawn GP's association with Virgin does not look like being renewed, a link-up with engine manufacturers Mercedes-Benz is close to being finalised.
Mercedes are believed to be keen on acquiring a 75 per cent stake in the Brackley-based team to provide them with the backing to compete with Ferrari and McLaren.
Important
And Brawn confirmed that the German car giants play a key role in the team's future plans.
"Mercedes is a very important part of our team and without the engine we would not have won the championship," said Brawn.
"It was the best engine in Formula One and we have formed a great partnership together.
"We are looking at all opportunities for the future but it is too early to announce anything yet.
"But it is an amazing contrast we have been through as a team this year.
"We were in the depths of despair last winter when we didn't know if we would have a team at all and then to win the World Championships was amazing.
"It has been an incredible journey but now we must focus on next year."
