Virgin Racing have announced that John Booth has replaced Alex Tai as team principal.
Manor Motorsport boss Booth steps in as part of "planned evolution"
Virgin Racing have announced that John Booth has replaced Alex Tai as team principal, less than a month after their launch.
Booth was previously sporting director for the outfit, one of four new teams on the Formula One grid, and is the founder of Manor Motorsport.
The team gained entry for the 2010 Formula One season as Manor but were rebranded Virgin Racing on December 15th.
Tai will continue as director of special projects for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group.
He has worked for Branson since 1995, and was the chief operating officer of Virgin Galactic prior to his brief spell in F1.
Explaining his reasons for moving on so quickly, Tai said: "Finding new opportunities and the challenge of starting new ventures is where my focus and interest lies.
"I am proud we have taken the team from concept to reality in a short period of time and I am confident Virgin Racing will be in trusted and experienced hands."
Virgin Racing added that Graeme Lowden, who was previously the team's director of racing, will take the role of chief executive.
They said the changes were "part of the planned evolution of the team and continued development of the business."
The changes also come, however, despite the team's new car having yet to turn a wheel on a racetrack.
Etienne de Villiers, chairman of Virgin Racing, said: "John's impressive racing pedigree and reputation is beyond question in the critical role of team principal.
"Graeme has a proven track record with Manor Grand Prix and is a formidable operator with an excellent reputation in the sport.
"Their combined experience and expertise make them the ideal candidates to lead the Virgin Racing team as we head into an exciting first season."
