Triple Eight Engineering will continue in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for a fourth season with the MG6 GT in 2015, but featuring an all-new driver line-up and a host of new sponsors.
The team announced that they are working on a project that will include an “exciting new-look line-up”, as well as a raft of new sponsors, the team having enjoyed seven race wins in 2014 as MG clinched the Manufacturers’ Championship from Honda.
Although yet to be announced, the line-up will not include their drivers from the previous two seasons, double BTCC champion Plato’s future currently unknown while former team-mate, Tordoff, this morning announced a switch to current champions, West Surrey Racing.
The re-branding of the team is connected to Plato’s departure, who had previously brought deals with Tesco to the squad as well as played an important role with KX that have both provided sponsorship for the last three seasons.
Triple Eight managing director and co-founder, Ian Harrison said: “We’re very much looking forward to next year, our fourth with MG and 19th in the BTCC. Over the past three years we’ve taken more race wins than any other constructor and manufacturer, and next year we are intent on extending that run of form.
“There’s little doubt that 2015 will be even more competitive than this year as teams get a handle on developing their cars, but we’re confident we’ve assembled the right elements to take it to the other teams and ensure we’re in the mix by the end of the year.”
MG head of marketing, Matthew Cheyne, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that MG will return to defend its title as BTCC manufacturer champions in 2015. The three-year programme to race the MG6 GT with Triple Eight has proved so successful both on and off track that there was little doubt we would return in 2015.
“The MG brand is iconic and Triple Eight are the most successful team in the history of BTCC, as such together we are an attractive proposition and believe we will be in contention to defend our title next year. The BTCC has never been in such good shape and with a full grid containing a wide range of manufacturers and models, plus rising attendance and viewing figures, I am excited at the prospects for 2015 for MG, Triple Eight, our drivers, sponsors and of course our loyal and growing worldwide MG fan base.
“The BTCC programme has been a key part in re-establishing the MG brand in the UK and also globally. It has raised awareness of the brand with TV, online and press coverage that is not only followed in the UK but also across the world.”
The team also ran a third MG6 in 2014 for former British F3 champion Marc Hynes last season, the deal not connected however with the factory MG situation.
