BTCC 2001

Rounds 21 & 22 - Siverstone

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) 2001 (September 8/9) is earmarked to be an exciting event as the MG ZS EX259 makes its first public appearance, drawing thousands of MG fans to the Silverstone circuit. The MG ZS EX259 will be driven by Anthony Reid (car 2) and Warren Hughes (car 20), drivers renowned for their prowess at Le Mans 2001.

The MG ZS EX259 is competing in the last three race meetings of the BTCC – rounds 21 and 22 at Silverstone (September 8/9), rounds 23 and 24 at Donington (September 23/24) and rounds 25 and 26 at Brands Hatch (October 6/7).

Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited said: "Having been blown away by the reaction at Le Mans, we are geared up for the next phase of MG’s motorsport programme."

"Everyone is really excited here, but we are trying to keep a lid on our enthusiasm as we recognise that we are in the development phase. We picked the last three dates on the BTCC calendar to give us an idea of our competitors' strength and help us determine how much development work is required for next year. Our ultimate focus is 2002."

David Bowes, managing director, Lola Cars International said: "It's been a fascinating technical exercise to have designed the first touring car from our Huntingdon factory. Frank Dernie and the technical team have worked extremely hard with our colleagues at MG, WSR (West Surrey Racing) and AER (Advanced Engine Research) and we go into our first round of the BTCC with some satisfaction at the progress made to date. We're also very aware, as with all new cars in whatever formula, there is still a great deal of work to be done."

Anthony Reid, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 2, said: "The main battle we have had has been the weather conditions we've experienced. We've got ourselves to a very good position. We are pleased with where the car is and we have several pointers to further improve it. I am confident that we’ll be competitive and am really looking forward to the race at Silverstone."

Warren Hughes, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 20, said: "Every time we run this car we take huge steps forward. I'm feeling optimistic and can't wait to get going. It's very different to what I'm used to but I'm pleased with the way I'm settling in – the team seem happy with my pace and although I have a lot to get my head around and learn new ways of driving, I feel I am adapting quickly."

Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR (West Surrey Racing) said: "Despite being frustrated by the weather, every change we’ve made has taken us forward – we've not taken a step back at all with the chassis. We haven't peaked yet and know there is more time to be found from the car. We're going in the right direction all the time and a big thank you goes out to all the team for their commitment and the long hours they've worked."

Rounds 23 & 24 - Donington Park

MG's second outing saw a noticeable improvement since its debut at Silverstone. Both Anthony Reid and Warren Hughes drove strong races to secure 4th and 5th respectively in the Sprint Race.

The Feature Race proved more challenging with the employment of the safety car on a number of occasions and changeable weather conditions. A podium finish was within reach for Reid until his race was cruelly terminated by Bennett (Team Egg Sport Vauxhall). Hughes' race was difficult from the start having lost radio contact on the grid. It was also hampered by penalties due to missing his pit window and speeding in the pit lane.

Sprint Race : Weather / track: cloudy / dry

Anthony Reid, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 2. "It's a good improvement on our achievements at Silverstone it's a step forward in a very short space of time. In just two weeks the car is more competitive and we achieved a fourth in class which illustrates the improvements we've made."

Warren Hughes, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 20. "The balance of the car has changed since qualifying. The potential is there and I'm looking for a stronger finish in the feature race."

Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR (West Surrey Racing). "It's very encouraging. The lap times during the race were only one or two tenths behind the Vauxhalls."

Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International. "I'm pleased. Its another step forward and both cars finished. Warren isn't very happy with the balance of his car. So, he wants to go back to some set-ups he tried earlier."

Feature Race : Weather / track: intermittent showers / variable

Warren Hughes, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 20. "I lost radio communication on the grid and had to work off the pit board, because of this I had no idea why I was called in for the penalty drive through. I was looking forward to a good race and it's disappointing as we had improved the car balance following the sprint race."

Anthony Reid, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 2. "At the start I got stuck behind traffic and lost contact with the main bunch. After the final safety car I was able to battle with Jason who seemed to be struggling in the conditions. We were a lot quicker in the corners and after a number of overtaking manoeuvres a podium finish was looking to be a real possibility until Bennett took me out - I've never seen anything like this."

Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR (West Surrey Racing). "We lost radio communication with Warren at the start of the race, which was unfortunate because we could have been in a good position."

Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International. "Things were looking better until Anthony was taken off by an irrational manoeuvre by Bennett."

Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited. "The racing incident was unfortunate but to be vying for a podium place in only our second event is quite astonishing. Roll on Brands Hatch where the circuit should really suit us."

Rounds 25 & 26 - Brands Hatch

Qualification: Weather / track: / Cloudy / Dry

MG Sport & Racing ruffled a few feathers today when Warren Hughes secured pole position for the final feature race of the season. This marks a real achievement given MG's late entry into the series but shows the real potential in the car.

Warren Hughes, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 20. "To be honest we thought we'd be good here but I didn't imagine P1. We have worked really well and the MG chassis is obviously very good to work with and WSR have done a superb job to get the most out of it. To be up there, that's what we needed to do, extract everything from the chassis and I'm absolutely delighted. I'm very satisfied it was a very clean lap with no mistakes. I have to give credit to the team who have really worked hard to understand the car and get the most out of it."

Anthony Reid, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 2. "Stunning job by Warren. My car felt good and I'm surprised that relatively I'm not faster. The car felt a lot better than it did in practise. We'll now sit down and compare data between the cars." Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR (West Surrey Racing). "I'm lost for words. I am incredibly pleased for Warren and the whole team. We were hoping to be up there but didn't expect a pole."

Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International. "Absolutely fabulous for the last race of the season with a pole position for Warren. We are to say the least, exceedingly pleased. We'll look now to improve the set-up on Anthony's car before the race."

Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited. "Wow - what an achievement. We set ourselves the target of a podium finish by the end of this season and what Warren has done today proves this is a realistic possibility. It is testimony to the efforts of the whole team and puts us firmly on the map - MG's back !!"

Sprint Race : Weather / track : Changeable

Anthony Reid gave MG Sport and Racing their first podium finish with a tactical drive to win the sprint race today at Brands Hatch. Experience played an important role when Reid took the decision to remain on slick tyres when all other manufacturers opted to pit for wets. This outstanding result has been achieved on what was only the third outing.

Anthony Reid, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 2. "I'm very happy, things just get better and we have Warren on pole position for the next race. It's a short lap here and I knew if I came in that I would come out a lap down. It wasn't raining too hard and I knew the time difference was sufficient to win the race. We knew we could do it and that's how it turned out. It makes sense in a team for one driver to run wets. Two laps from home the rain tempo upped and I had trouble keeping the car straight but I have experience in these conditions and hopefully that helped. It proves it's a great chassis and a credit to MG. MG are serious and we're not here to make up the numbers"

Warren Hughes, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 20. " I had a difficult start after being badly hit on the first corner. I then had a huge moment trying not to spin the car and managed to keep it together - I dropped a lot of places though. The caar appeared to have little damage as it was still working. I made a late decision to pit. The team noticed an oil leak and called me back in as we wanted to save the car for the feature race. "

Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR (West Surrey Racing). "Incredible. Unbelievable. I couldn't have written a script any better. For Anthony to start from eighth and take a calculated gamble which paid off - incredible."

Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International. "It's wonderful isn't it. A very good decision to stay out resulting in an unexpected win. We are obviously more competitive than ever at Brands Hatch and the hard work of Lola and WSR is beginning to pay off."

Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited. "I've been rehearsing this as I knew that one day this could happen. We expected to get a podium position before the end of the year and in fact we promised it but to do it this way absolutely fantastic. To get a win in the wet on this race - unbelievable."

Feature Race : Weather / track : Wet

Torrential rain and strong winds made driving conditions treacherous for the last round of the season. Spurred on by the earlier victory both cars looked most promising in the early laps with Hughes making a good start. Disappointing both cars were forced to retire with suspected electrical problems.

Anthony Reid, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 2. "I was a little cautious at the start as there was so much water on the circuit and I'm used to Super Touring where aquaplaning is a frequent hazard. Once I felt my way into the race, the car felt really good. It was in fact excellent. The electrics failed and the engine cut. I am really frustrated that it broke down early as I could see a second win."

Warren Hughes, driver of MG ZS EX259, car 20. "I made a very good start, initially leading the field. I hit running water a few times and ran wide. It allowed Muller to get alongside. All the electrical ancillaries failed and the engine cut very suddenly. But you can't take away the fact that we've had an amazing weekend."

Dick Bennetts, managing director, WSR (West Surrey Racing). "We're not sure what happened yet, but for both cars to go out within one lap of each other, we can only assume that it was the same fault in the electrical system. It's the first time the cars have run with every conceivable electrical item running, so the load may have been too much. We won't know until we carry out a detailed inspection."

Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International. "A bit disappointing that we stopped today and we'll be investigating why." Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited. "Disappointed that neither car finished in the second race but under these conditions for any car to finish the race is pretty good going. At least the cars are coming back without damages to be repaired. We got our pole and our win this weekend and I think it would be greedy to expect any more than that."