Feb.13 (GMM) Pat Symonds is back in F1 with the Virgin team.

The crashgate conspirator revealed last month that he wants to return to the sport, even though like Flavio Briatore he is banned from having an "operational role" until 2013.

But it is believed long-time Renault engineering director Symonds' company Neutrino Dynamics was engaged for consultancy work last year, and British media reports reveal he will be working with the Virgin team in 2011.

"He's allowed to do consultancy work through his company," confirmed the team's president Graeme Lowdon, according to News of the World. "I can see only positive things."

The Daily Telegraph said 57-year-old Symonds' new role is as a consultant.

"The FIA reached an agreement with Mr Pat Symonds in April 2010 that he would be barred from returning to the sport of formula one until the end of 2012," confirmed a FIA spokesperson.

"However, it was also agreed at the time that Mr Symonds could act in a consultancy capacity via his own company Neutrino Dynamics.

"This fact was extensively reported in the media at the time. Therefore the FIA has no further comment to make on this matter."

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