MG Confirm Three Car Line-up for BTCC 2003

28 March 2003

MG Sport & Racing today confirmed they are continuing their association with Warren Hughes and Anthony Reid as works drivers for the 2003 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Joining Anthony and Warren, will be former Team Atomic Kitten driver, Colin Turkington to complete the three-car MG manufacturers entry. Colin is no stranger to the MG ZS having competed in the 2002 BTC Touring Independents Cup.

MG entered the series for the first time at the back end of 2001. In 2002, MG's first full assault on the title, Anthony Reid and Warren Hughes finished 4th and 6th respectively. MG also finished runner-up in the Manufacturers Championship whilst Colin Turkington showed great promise in the Independents Cup securing four wins.

Commenting on the 2003 BTCC and recent testing of the new MG ZS:

Anthony Reid
"It's a great opportunity for MG, WSR and the drivers to capitalise on the experience of last year. We've begun our testing programme much earlier than previously and are better prepared than ever before. The test in Spain was very encouraging and showed improvements in all areas. Due to the fine weather we were able to achieve everything that was required and will continue testing in the UK."

Warren Hughes
"I am extremely excited going in to this season. On paper the ingredients are in place to fight for the championship. I feel ready to challenge after my learning season of 2002 and believe I will be stronger. I'm very encouraged by what I've seen of the 2003 spec. MG chassis and engine. The continuity of having myself, Anthony and WSR is important and I'm sure we will continue to work very well and achieve some fantastic results with MG."

Colin Turkington
"I'm very pleased to be back driving the MG ZS following some good results last season and I'm confident I can build on my experiences. After recent tests, the car is proving very strong and I feel in a good position to turn in a good performance and some positive results."

Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR, (the company responsible for the design, development and management of the MG ZS touring car) said: "WSR's design and build programme for the 2003 MG ZS BTC cars has been right on schedule over the winter months. The chassis has been developed further as testing in Spain proved last month. Our design engineers are working with Dunlop to develop the 2003 controlled tyre for the championship. It's going to be another exciting BTCC season for MG and WSR."

Kim Johnson, director, MG Sport & Racing added: "I think we're all waiting with anticipation for the start of the 2003 season. WSR have put a lot of hard work into the development of the new car during the winter months and we're encouraged by the initial tests. 2002 provided a series of both highs and lows but we learnt a great deal in our first full season and will come back fighting with confidence to challenge for the title. With the introduction of new regulations, such as the mandatory pit-stop in both races, there will be an added twist to the action. I wish all the team the best of luck."

MG Sport & Racing and WSR continue to work with AER (Advanced Engine Research) to provide the K series V6 engine management for the 2003 BTCC programme. Powertrain Ltd, a sister company to MG Sport & Racing, will also work in conjunction with AER and WSR on the project. Fraser Winton, managing director of Powertrain Ltd said: "We've been working closely with the motorsport team on the 2003 car. Our engineers have worked hard to enhance the power and driveability of the engine."

Mike Lancaster, managing director, AER added: "MG and of course all of us at AER are eagerly anticipating the 2003 British Touring Car Championship. A lot of hard work has gone into off-season testing and we all hope for some good results."

See series calendar for British Touring Car Championship 2003