WORKERS at a Bicester firm are facing an uncertain future after being dropped as car designers for a Formula 1 racing team.

Bosses at Virgin Racing have axed technical director Nick Wirth after a poor start to the season, which has seen the car lagging behind the pacesetters.

Now the jobs of about 80 workers at Wirth Res-earch, recruited to develop the Virgin Racing car, are at risk.

Wirth spokesman Simon Crompton said: “We are still under contract to Virgin Racing and work with them, but we are separating.

“Plainly, if we did not have the contract, then jobs would be at risk but we are doing everything we can to manage the situation.”

Mr Crompton added that Wirth would still be working with Virgin Racing and drivers Timo Glock and Jerome D’Ambrosio at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Wirth Research started working with the team, then known as Manor GP, in June 2009. By December of that year had more than doubled its workforce when Kidlington-based tycoon and Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson stepped in.

The car is unique as it has been designed entirely by computer without a wind tunnel.

But the car’s maiden season saw it finish bottom of the constructors’ table and this season has once again seen the team fail to register a single championship point.

Late last year Russian sportscar maker Marussia Motors bought a controlling interest in the team.

And at a recent board meeting Wirth was axed from the set-up.

Virgin Racing chief executive Andy Webb said: “The decision has been taken that the team will take greater control of its own destiny.

“Having consulted with our existing technical partner, we have been obliged to terminate our relationship with them.

“I believe the steps we are taking in terms of our technical leadership and operational excellence will provide us with the robust foundation required to go on and achieve our objectives.

“These are bold but positive steps that will enable us to move forward with confidence.”

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