Warren Hughes will race for Team RLR in the remaining two rounds of the 2011 Le Mans Series, marking his return to racing with the MG brand.
The signing of Hughes follows last month's announcement of MG Motor UK as RLR's newest sponsor. The Newcastle-born driver will partner team regulars Barry Gates and Rob Garofall for the races at Silverstone and Estoril.
Hughes first raced for MG back in 2001, when the manufacturer joined the British Touring Car Championship towards the end of the season. He also raced for the marque at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He scored a number of victories in the BTCC racing the ZS model as a factory MG driver. In 2005 he scored a Le Mans class win in the MG Lola EX265.
“It is a great boost for the team having Warren back in the car,” said team principal Nick Reynolds. “He competed with us back in 2010 when we did selected rounds of the Le Mans Series so we already know his capabilities behind the wheel.
“Warren has a sound knowledge of the car and a great track record of setting fastest laps and collecting wins in this championship. These factors combined with a competitive pace from both Barry and Rob should create one of the strongest driver line-ups in the LMP2 class this year.”
Hughes said: “Last year I had a chance to race with Team RLR in Hungary and I am absolutely delighted to be back with the squad again this year. As a racing driver this is one of the most prestigious championships in the world to compete in and one that many aspire to be a part of.
“Being back in an MG-backed car is a great feeling and my time with MG before was some of the fondest of my racing career. I was part of the team that won the LMP2 class at Le Mans in an MG in 2005, so I hope my experience in prototype racing will help bring something extra to the team and a give us a chance to push for the podium.”
