MG SPORT & RACING
LE MANS 2001 ­ FIRST QUALIFYING PRACTICE SESSION

“Car No. 33 - During the first session a problem with an alternator failure caused the battery to go flat and resulted in a misfire. In the second session it ran and all three drivers qualified in the dark. Car No. 34 ­ It ran well in the first session and in the second session had a fuel pressure problem and stopped on the circuit.”

MG Lola EX257, Car No. 33

Mark Blundell: “We qualified in the pitch black and took the car up there. I think it's a great job, the guys have worked very hard today. We have definitely surprised a lot of people with the pace.”

Julian Bailey: “Having not been here for so long, I wasn't too confident that I knew where I was going. However, I qualified easily - not a bad day really.”

Kevin McGarrity: “I am really happy to have achieved my first flying lap and doing so in the dark made it even more exciting. I know it wasn't the ideal situation but at least I've had some laps in the car, so going into the race I feel a bit better.

MG Lola EX257, Car No. 34

Anthony Reid: “It's brilliant to have the provisional pole in an MG but it's only Wednesday. I went out this evening to let rip on a new set of tyres - the car felt fantastic, really good.”

Warren Hughes: “We've had a glimpse of what the car is capable of and there's a lot more to come.. To get the provisional pole in the 675 category shows the level that we are at, but we want to get among the 900's.

Jonny Kane: “In general the car is really good and seems pretty fast. I think it looks good for tomorrow. “

Issued by MG Rover Group Communications