Racing

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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

MG ZS EX259 Car no 2	Anthony Reid	Position 4th
MG ZS EX259 Car no 20	Warren Hughes	Position 5th

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

MG ZS EX259 Car no 20	Warren Hughes	Position 8th
MG ZS EX259 Car no 2	Anthony Reid	D.N.F

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."

Warren Hughes Anthony Reid

MG Sport & Racing has entered two cars based off the new MG ZS saloon (which went on sale in July) into the 2001 British Touring Car Championship.

Additional pictures by Kelvin Fagan:

• Anthony Reid
• Warren Hughes

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