MG Ready to Take on Mondello Park

14 April 2003

Following some encouraging testing results and an intensive winter development programme, the MG ZS touring cars of Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes and Colin Turkington kick off at Mondello Park, Ireland this weekend in the first round of the 2003 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship.

After setting the fastest time at the recent BTCC test Warren is quietly confident going into his second full season in the MG ZS. With his first race now just a few days away Warren said: "After testing well at Brands and at Croft I feel we've made some good progress with the set up and heading to Mondello with a lot of confidence. The last couple of tests have also allowed us to see where we stand in relation to the competition and I believe the team is in good shape. We won't really know until qualifying at Mondello, but the signs so far are very positive."

Mondello Park is one of the tightest circuits on the calendar and provides plenty of bumper-to-bumper action. On his return to Ireland Anthony said: "The MG suits this type of circuit where handling is at a premium. Last year MG qualified on the front row and led the race, this year we are looking for a pole and win."

Colin Turkington will be on home soil for his first drive in a manufacturers team. Last year saw Colin put his Team Atomic Kitten MG ZS on the front row of the grid but was unable to race due to a cruel bout of food poisoning. Colin said: "I am very excited about going back to Mondello Park as it was the scene of my highest and lowest points of last season. I was overjoyed to make the front row of the grid in qualifying and getting to grips with the circuit very quickly. Unfortunately the race was not to be, but the MG looks extremely strong again this year and I am confident of a good finish."

Kim Johnson, director, MG Sport & Racing added: "The result of a lot of hard work into the development of the MG ZS from AER, WSR and our sister company Powertrain is really starting to show. The official test at Brands Hatch proved extremely positive with Warren (Hughes) setting the fastest time. The real test is now at Mondello where we'll be able to assess just how competitive we are."

Dick Bennetts, Managing Director, WSR added: "WSR has spent the winter months designing, building and developing the new MG ZS EX 261. We've redesigned the successful chassis from 2002 to suit the new Dunlop tyres, making excellent progress in that area. It's going to be a close battle at the top this year and I believe the MG ZS will be a consistent winner!"

See series calendar for British Touring Car Championship 2003

Related Story 03.04.2003 - MG Sets Fastest Time at Official BTCC Test

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