Jan.15 (GMM) Manor will field a team in this year's new GP3 category.

Albeit branded Virgin Racing, Manor is also contesting its first season in formula one in 2010.

Team boss John Booth is "eager to maintain close links with grassroots racing", read a media statement, referring to his earlier years fielding future stars including Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen in his F3 team.

"A driver development programme was always part of the master plan in the formation of Virgin Racing," the statement added.

GP3 kicks off as a 280 horse power support series for GP2 at this year's Spanish grand prix.

Booth said: "The icing on the cake is the fantastic prize of an F1 test with Virgin Racing for the most successful Manor GP3 driver."

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