Paul Root wrote:
>
> The latest Autoweek has an article on why Audi will win Lemans again
> this year, probably with a 1-2-3 factory finish.
>
> One of the points was that the MG budget was (an historically faithful)
> minuscule. With virtual no development happening in the last year.
>
And strangely enough - MG Rover and their LeMans team seem to feel
differently :-)
========
Release immediate June 11, 2002
MG LOLA EX257 SPORTS CAR READY FOR LE MANS CHALLENGE
MG returns to Le Mans this weekend to challenge in the 24-Heures du Mans
endurance race. Following an encouraging period of development and
spurred on by results at the official test last month the team are
looking to put in a positive performance.
The two MG Lola EX257 sports cars, designed and built by Lola Cars
International, are entered in the LMP675 class - the lightest
qualification group. They are powered by the MG XPOWER 2-litre,
four-cylinder turbo unit which has been developed by racing engine
specialists Advanced Engine Research (AER). Chamberlain Motorsport have
been responsible for the testing schedule and will strive for the smooth
running of both sports cars during the race. To complete the truly
British package, there is an all-British driver line up - Kevin
McGarrity, Jonny Kane and Anthony Reid (car 26) and Mark Blundell,
Julian Bailey and Warren Hughes (car 27).
The cars will be clearly visible around the circuit in their distinctive
green and XPOWER grey. This year also sees the vibrant flames of Hot
Wheels Racing with additional support from Mobil 1, Michelin, Ramada
Jarvis, MG Rover UK Dealers and St Modwen property developers.
Following fantastic support in 2001 for MG's return to Le Mans after a
36 year absence Rob Oldaker, managing director of MG Sport & Racing is
looking forward to returning. He said: "The atmosphere we experienced
last year at the Le Mans circuit was quite amazing. Since then we've
undergone an extensive development and testing programme and feel
confident of improving on last year's outing in terms of results and
endurance. This year we are certainly more prepared and really can't wait."
Frank Dernie, chief engineer, Lola Cars International added: "Obviously
we're a lot more optimistic than last year as we have some decent
testing under our belt - everything has been running reliably. It would
be great if we can fulfil the ACO's ambition to get a 675 on the podium."
Having more time to familiarise themselves with the car, the MG XPOWER
drivers are looking forward to this year's race. They commented:
Car 26
Kevin McGarrity
"I can't wait to get back to Le Mans as I know what to expect after last
year, both on and off the circuit, and can prepare myself accordingly.
I'll be able to concentrate on the job at hand because the car has been
going well in recent tests and reliability doesn't appear to be an issue."
Jonny Kane
"I'm very upbeat about our chances at Le Mans this year. I think we have
the overall package to produce and am hoping for an excellent result."
Anthony Reid
"I'm going into Le Mans with a high degree of confidence. Testing has
gone well and compared to this time last year I am much more optimistic
about completing the distance. This is a great car to drive - it's very fast."
Car 27
Mark Blundell
"We're coming to Le Mans off the back of some very encouraging testing.
There has been a vast improvement in durability, engine performance and
also tyre wear - thanks to Michelin. I'm expecting a good end result in
qualifying along with a much stronger showing in the race than last year
- I'd like to see us up amongst the 900 cars!"
Julian Bailey
"We're heading for Le Mans with a lot of enthusiasm and rightly so as we
have shown our pace. Traffic on the circuit is always a problem in
qualifying but I think that we'll be capable of running at the front.
We'll be challenging!!"
Warren Hughes
"The mood in the team is very upbeat following our recent tests. We are
so much more prepared than this time last year. I think we can do
something really special."
--
Eric
'68MGB MkII
Adelaide, South Australia
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
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