The MVR-02 has been designed to meet the new season's regulation changes but the British-based team have opted not to use the Kers power-boost device.

Timo Glock and rookie driver Jerome D'Ambrosio will run the 2011 car at the Jerez test, which begins on Thursday.

Glock said: "Realistically you do not make up three or four seconds over the winter, but hopefully we can be closer to the midfield teams."

Virgin joined Formula 1 in 2010 as one of three new teams on the grid but finished bottom of the team standings behind fellow newcomers Lotus and Hispania, who also failed to score a point.

Virgin have also opted not to run with Kers, which returns to the sport after being abandoned in 2010.

Team boss John Booth described the new car as "a step forward" and Virgin will get the first chance to find out at the second pre-season test which begins in Jerez on Thursday.