MG complete 'very encouraging' Pembrey test.

Having successfully completed its shakedown at MIRA, Lola Cars International and engine developers Advanced Engine Research continued with the development of the for the MG ZS EX259 touring car at its first real test on August 15-16.

MG Sport & Racing has entered two cars, for Anthony Reid and Warren Hughes, based on the new MG ZS 2.0 KV6 saloon into the 2001 British Touring Car Championship, competing in the last three rounds at Silverstone (8/9 September), Donington (15/16 September) and Brands Hatch (6/7 October).

In preparation for their Silverstone debut, the team arrived at Pembrey, in South Wales, to be greeted by torrential rainstorms, which hampered running. By contrast, day two saw dry sunny conditions that enabled the team to complete a full day's testing.

Dick Bennetts, managing director, West Surrey Racing, gave his opinion on both the new car and the new BTCC regulations.

"For a brand new car straight out of the box it's very encouraging," he said. "The new regulations are designed to produce a car halfway between the old Super Touring and Super Production classes. This car is a Super Touring 'minus' rather than a Super Production 'plus', which is great, just where we wanted to be.

"Anthony (Reid's) previous experience combined with our knowledge is working well - there's still a lot more to come," he added.

Reid, who will drive car #2 also noticed the difference between's this year's machines and those he has campaigned in previous seasons: "I am really pleased," he began. "Culturally it's a different car to what I've driven over the last few years but it has all the ingredients of being a great race car. It is taut, responsive and consistent."

Teammate Warren Hughes, who will pilot car #20, was left eager for his MG BTCC debut: "The car looks and feels great. I can't wait to get my teeth into it and get out there racing."

Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited concluded: "The British Touring Car Championship is the next phase in our motorsport programme but, with the new regulations, there is a lot of new ground to cover for all concerned.

"We will not really know how competitive a package we have until our first race at Silverstone on 9 September. But for MG, 2001 is all about getting on the pace ready for a full title assault next year... so far so good!!"