MG Look to Silverstone for Silverware

2 June 2003

Last year saw a literally jubilant time at Silverstone for the MG Sport & Racing team as Warren Hughes secured his first win of the season and Anthony Reid followed with a podium finish on a truly patriotic St George's day. With the focus now firmly on the 2003 event and with Colin Turkington also hungry for success the MG ZS trio have their eyes firmly set on podium finishes.

The cars return to a familiar Dunlop control tyre and set-up for rounds 7 & 8 of the British Touring Car Championship. It is clear from the fastest lap set by Warren Hughes at Thruxton that the MG ZS is clearly on the pace and only the misfortunes at the last two outings have prevented the team from securing that all important first podium.

Anthony Reid set the fastest qualifying time at the Northamptonshire circuit last year and will be looking to repeat that performance. Currently carrying an additional 9 kg due to his fourth place at Thruxton, Anthony said: "I think Silverstone will be a good event for us. What's happened so far this season is not a true reflection on the capabilities of the MG ZS. We're back to a tyre we know and we've also learnt a lot about the car over the past few weekends so normal service shall be resumed. Our target at Silverstone is a podium finish and ultimately a win."

After demonstrating the pace of the MG ZS last time out and now carrying 9 kg less, Warren Hughes is aiming to repeat history at Silverstone and secure his first win of the 2003 season. He said: "It's important that we bounce back at Silverstone after the frustrations of Thruxton. We did learn a great deal about the car and its capabilities, which showed when I set the fastest lap. With Silverstone we're back to a circuit where we were particularly strong last year and remain optimistic that we should see our first podium and potentially our first win."

Heading to the International Circuit minus 24 kg, Colin Turkington will be running the lightest of the MGs. After collecting more points at Thruxton he'll be looking to add to the tally. Colin said: "Following a disappointing weekend at Thruxton, it is important to bounce back and show the true potential of the MG at Silverstone. It is a circuit I enjoy driving and one where the MG has performed magnificently in the past. Considering these factors the signs are good for a successful weekend."

Kim Johnson, director, MG Sport & Racing said: "The season so far has been a little frustrating for us and luck has certainly not been on our side particularly with the incident involving Anthony and Warren in the fifth round at Thruxton. Two of our three cars will be carrying less weight, which will assist in qualifying for the first race. We'll also be returning to a familiar tyre compound and therefore more familiar set-up. Silverstone was a successful event for us last year and hopefully we can replicate that performance."

See series calendar for British Touring Car Championship

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