MG renews BTCC deal, but Jason Plato unlikely to stay with team
MG has renewed its British Touring Car Championship deal for 2015, but last year's runner-up Jason Plato is unlikely to stay on
The firm, which rejoined the BTCC as a factory outfit in 2012, initially committed to a three-year programme but has decided to extend its deal for another 12 months.
MG collected the Manufacturer-Constructor crown in 2014 with Plato and Sam Tordoff at the wheel. The pairing took seven victories across the 30 rounds.
Its driver line-up has yet to be confirmed but Tordoff has now signed for WSR and Triple Eight, which masterminds the works assault, said the team will have a "new-look line-up" next year, amid speculation that Plato is also likely to leave.
"Next year will be our 19th in the BTCC and our fourth with MG," said team principal Ian Harrison.
"There's little doubt that 2015 will be more competitive than this year as teams get a handle on developing their cars.
"But we are confident that we have assembled the right elements to take it to the other teams and ensure that we are in the mix at the end of the year."
MG's head of marketing director Matthew Cheyne added: "The MG brand is iconic and Triple Eight is the most successful team in the history of the BTCC.
"As such, together, we are an attractive proposition and we believe we will be in contention to defend our title next season."
MG is the second works team to have committed to the British Touring Car Championship as it joins the Infiniti Support our Paras operation.
Honda, which has been a works team in the BTCC since 2010, has yet to confirm its programme.
Sam Tordoff switches from Triple 8 to WSR for 2015 BTCC season
Andrew Jordan replaces Jason Plato in works MG for 2015 BTCC
Ranking the top 10 BTCC drivers of 2021
A refresh in equipment and some returning faces helped contribute to a supremely competitive 2021 British Touring Car Championship campaign. Ash Sutton was crowned a three-time champion, successfully defending his 2020 title, but faced stiff competition in the final year before the switch to hybrid. Autosport picks out the best performers
Why the BTCC's ballast increase couldn't stop champion Sutton
Ballast will be gone from the BTCC next year as hybrid power enters the scene, but for its final season the maximum was increased from 60kg to 75kg. Despite having to carry that nearly all season, Ash Sutton was always the favourite to pocket a third title - the 27-year-old getting his reward for a season of speed tempered by savvy to nail his opportunities
The much-loved tin-top superstar bowing out at 59
OPINION: It's not often that a driver achieves widespread affection for their personality, as well as their on-track performances. One such individual is Gabriele Tarquini, who will soon bring the curtain down on a remarkable career that has yielded touring car titles on the European and global stage - and, famously, in Britain too
The making of the BTCC's newest superstar
Ash Sutton is on the verge of being crowned a three-time British Touring Car Champion; he seems to have it all. But life hasn't always been straightforward for this superstar of touring cars, as Marcus Simmons has been finding out
The green light shining for the BTCC's hybrid future
The Cosworth Electronics-developed BTCC hybrid system made its public debut in the most recent round at Silverstone. It's simple, but could significantly change the series' technical challenges for both the drivers and the teams
The restored BSCC battler back in its family's hands after 50 years
The Imps of George Bevan became famous in British Saloon Car Championship competition during the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of a small band of enthusiasts, including Bevan's grandson Jonathan, one of the ex-Bill McGovern title winners has recently returned to the race track
The increasingly varied CV behind a new BTCC title challenger
A driver with limited funds behind him, it’s been a tough road to the top of the British Touring Car Championship for Jake Hill. Now he’s a title contender, accomplished historic racer and in-demand coach. It’s a great life for this self-confessed motorsport junkie
The outright tin-top wins achieved by a forgotten tin-top great
Already established as a formidable force in the British Saloon Car Championship, the Triumph Dolomite became a legend in 1977 when Tony Dron's Broadspeed machine frequently embarrassed the mighty Capris