MG renews BTCC deal, but Jason Plato unlikely to stay with team

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.