Manor Grand Prix chief John Booth would not confirm reports that Virgin is set to sponsor, buy into and possible re-name the new 2010 Formula One team...

Richard Branson is no dummy, but this move puzzles me. I would be very surprised if the Manor team will have as much success in their first year as the Brawn team had this year. Better results mean more TV time.

Manor should not have allied themselves with the Keystone Cops *Mosley & Donnelly. That would have been a smart business move. Too late now, time to reap the benefits of their association.

Maybe (and I'm not saying it's the right move necessarily) Branson thinks that he'll get more return on his investment by having a Virgin-branded team, rather than just having a logo or two on the car, which is about all he'll be able to afford on the Brawn next year. Also, perhaps he's not convinced about the long term success of the Brawn team. I mean, to be sure, they've got good drivers and management, and they are successful now, but one of the prime reasons they are doing so well is because they stole a march on their competitors in dealing with the rule changes. Rules stability for 2010, plus the superior resources of the opposition mean that similar success next year is far from certain. In that case, better to spend less money than Brawn would ask for and get your brand on the whole team (if, in fact that is what he means to do). Due to the circumstances of their entry, the new teams are going to be under a spotlight next year, and having one branded entirely for your company could be smart. Especially if it's the only option you can afford.

but with dumbed down cars it's anyones game and why pay to sponsor when you can own a piece of a team?

Virgin rumors do not apply to Sir Richard.

Richard leaving the team that has pretty much run away with the championship?

Sir Richard's ego to see his Virgin name on a team seems to be driving this move to the Manor. Is this really wise to move from the Brawn team, who get a lot of tv coverage, to a poteniall back marker, who will race among also rans?

Don't forget that Manor has a sweetheart deal with Mad Max. They may be running at the back of the pack, but the powers that be will see to it that they get plenty of exposure.