The MG ZS EX259 touring car successfully completed its shakedown at MIRA on 10 August. The run at MIRA provided the key data for chassis designers Lola Cars International and engine developers Advanced Engine Research to continue with the development phase in preparation for the first real test held at Pembrey on 15 and 16 August.

Day one at Pembrey saw running hampered by torrential rain storms, in complete contrast to day two, where dry sunny conditions enabled the team to complete a full day’s testing.

Dick Bennetts, managing director, West Surrey Racing:
"For a brand new car straight out of the box it’s very encouraging. The new regulations are designed to produce a car halfway between the old Super Touring and Super Production classes. This car is a Super Touring ‘minus’ rather than a Super Production ‘plus’, which is great, just where we wanted to be. Anthony’s previous experience combined with our knowledge is working well – there’s still a lot more to come."

Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International:
"I feel we’ve achieved most of the things we set out to do. It was good to get some dry laps done in the car and on fresh tyres. We were able to look at the overall balance of the car and get a feel for it with its baseline settings."

Anthony Reid, driver, car number 2:
"I am really pleased. Culturally it’s a different car to what I’ve driven over the last few years but it has all the ingredients of being a great race car. It is taut, responsive and consistent."

Warren Hughes, driver, car number 20:
"The car looks and feels great. I can’t wait to get my teeth into it and get out there racing."

Rob Oldaker, managing director, MG Sport & Racing Limited:
"MG’s great success at Le Mans in June this year where we completed more than half the race, generated a huge wave of enthusiasm and support for MG XPOWER. The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is the next phas! e in our motorsport programme but, with the new regulations, there is a lot of new ground to cover for all concerned. We will not really know how competitive a package we have until our first race at Silverstone on 9 September. But for MG, 2001 is all about getting on the pace ready for a full title assault next year ….. so far so good!!"