Hughes announces end to MG deal.

After months of speculation surrounding the future participation of MG in the British Touring Car Championship, Warren Hughes announced today that he will not compete with MG in 2004.

"The reason I won't be continuing with MG is financial. MG cannot support their motorsport programmes to the same degree as previously and as a professional driver I have no option but to look elsewhere. " said Hughes and added, " I thank MG for a hugely enjoyable period of my career and I would like to remain involved with them in some capacity. It's a shame we can't continue racing but it's a fact of life and I have to look at other options."

Hughes has been an integral part of MG's motorsport campaign since 2001, when the marque entered an official factory backed team in the Le Mans 24 hour race and also competed in the BTCC. At Le Mans in 2001, driving the MG / Lola prototype, Warren was lapping faster than the entire field, including eventual winners Audi, during torrential conditions. In 2002, along with team-mates Jonny Kane and Anthony Reid, he ran as high as third place overall in a car that was hugely under-developed and in a class below the main contenders. In 2001 Hughes also scored MG's first ever BTCC pole position at Brands Hatch. Three victories were to follow during 2002 and 2003.

"The BTCC is looking pretty bleak at the moment, there are no openings." said Hughes, "There is a danger of it becoming a championship for drivers who bring money but I don't believe (series boss) Alan Gow will let this trend continue. The championship will lose credibility if the situation doesn't improve and manufacturers support the series."

"I am looking at things for 2005 already and I would like to get a Le Mans or BTCC programme. Both are unfinished business for me, I have good experience in both and I would relish the chance of a proper crack at either of them with a manufacturer. In the meantime I will see what 2004 has to offer. I am interested in GTs and sportscars, but whatever comes along, ideally, will be something that will give me the chance to develop a relationship and hopefully get tied to a good manufacturer again." said Warren.