Second MG handed entry reprieve

The move is a reprieve for the marque, which was only given a single entry for the race when the full list was published last week.

A second Chamberlain Motorsport-run MG-Lola has made the cut following Olive Garden Rafanelli's decision to scratch its GTS-class Ferrari 550M from the race. As first reserve, the MG prototype inherited a place in the field.

Gabriele Rafanelli explained his decision to withdraw, saying that his team would concentrate on the American Le Mans Series instead. "It is our strong desire to be the principal independent challenger for the ALMS GTS crown this year," he said. "While all of us are thrilled at the honour of the invitation to Le Mans, we must focus on our primary goal which is to succeed in the 2002 ALMS GTS championship.

"Ours is a multi-year programme, so it is our dream to be invited to Le Mans in 2003 and to win the GTS catgeory there."

MG's chance is good news for the marque's six British drivers, three of whom would have been left on the sidelines had just one car been allowed in the race. The six are Mark Blundell, Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes, Jonny Kane, Julian Bailey and Kevin McGarrity.

The car's inclusion boosts the prototype numbers to 26, and adds a seventh entry to the 'baby' LMP675 class. In total, three MG-Lolas are now included, the other one being the privately-run KnightHawk Racing version.

For the revised list of entries, click here.