MG MOTORSPORTS
MG is making an historic return to Le Mans to compete in the world-famous
24-hour endurance race on Saturday and Sunday June 16/17, 2001. 1965 marked
the last time an MG competed in the 24-hour Le Mans race. Paddy Hopkirk and
Andrew Hedges finished 11th in the race - the best an MGB had achieved there
and second in its class.
Sporting the vivid green MG octagon on X-Power grey paintwork, the MG Lola
EX257 sports car conveys a modern, bold and powerful message for MG Sport
& Racing Limited.
The vehicle has been produced by Lola Cars International to compete in the
LMP 675 class at Le Mans. Advanced Engine Research (AER), responsible for
the power-unit Lola used to win last year’s LMP 675 class at Le Mans, was
commissioned to produce a brand new light-weight two litre turbo charged
four-cylinder engine.
Martin Birrane, owner of Lola Cars International commented that MG’s driver
line-up could prove to be a surprise package at the 69th Le Mans race: "We
have a formidable team of drivers who have the mixed blend of youth, speed
and experience on their side. In a short amount of time, the team has done
an incredible job and I hope that we can surprise a few people."
Mark Blundell, former Le Mans winner and experienced Formula 1 driver said:
"It’s great to be returning to Le Mans and it’s fantastic to go with five
other British drivers in the team. The prospects of competing against other
big names, especially the new brands involved, is exciting. This is the start of a new
era and it’s great to be a part of it."
Anthony Reid, current holder of the British Land Speed Record said: "MG back
at Le Mans, I think it’s wonderful. British car company, British team and
all British drive line-up - this is rare in motorsport. And entering the
most challenging motorsport event on the calendar makes it all the more
exciting."
Frank Dernie, chief engineer at Lola Cars International, commented on the
drivers’ challenge ahead: "Today’s drivers view Le Mans both as an endurance
and as a sprint race. Clutches, engines and gearboxes are vastly improved
compared with years gone by. For the drivers, it’s a combination of
mastering fast laps and reducing fuel stops."
Rob Oldaker, managing director of MG Sport & Racing Limited, said: "We’re
extremely proud to be entering an MG into Le Mans in only the company’s
second year. We have embarked on a three year motorsport programme and 2001
is very much a testing and development year.
"It will be a huge bonus to us if we can show pace and an even greater bonus
to finish the race. The team is motivated, enthusiastic, determined but
also realistic in its approach to its success at Le Mans 2001."
The enthusiasm among the MG Lola Le Mans team is best summed up by driver
Jonny Kane: "From the laps I’ve done at Le Mans, I can’t wait to get back on
track as it’s a race I’ve always wanted to do. I’m fidgeting because I can’
t wait to get going."
Warren Hughes:
"I’ve even used my Playstation to help familiarise myself with the Le Mans
circuit. I’m completely focused on doing a good job to the best of my
abilities - it is certainly a new and exciting challenge."
Kevin McGarrity:
"Le Mans is a place I’ve always wanted to try my hand at. I’ve been really
looking forward to it and I can’t believe that it’s so close now - I’m so
excited. To drive down one of the world’s most famous straights, I just can
’t wait."
Julian Bailey:
"The start of the race at 4pm is something special. Le Mans is one of the
great races, along with Indianapolis and the Monaco Grand Prix. With so
much British support I feel quite patriotic!"
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