Bailey to drive MG at Le Mans

Although no deal has been confirmed ahead of the official launch due to take place at the end of the month, Bailey's signature is already on a contract, according to this week's Autosport magazine.

Bailey, who stormed to the FIA GT title in a Lister with Jamie Campbell-Walter last year, is one of six drivers to have signed up with the historic marque to compete in this year's endurance classic.

Formula 3 stalwart Warren Hughes plus sportscar and touring car veteran Anthony Reid are both also said to be among the six drivers, at least three of which will be British.

Lola managing director David Bowes said: "This is a predominantly British programme, but it wouldn't matter if one of our drivers was a foreigner."

Despite a bid from Chamberlain Engineering, Arena motorsport, which ran a sole Renault Laguna in the BTCC in 1999 is believed to have secured the deal to run the MG race programme.

MG has not competed at Le Mans for 36 years. The new car has yet to run and is not expected to hit the track until March.