Triple Eight MG return with new line-up and sponsors in 2015

Triple Eight and MG will return to the BTCC for a fourth season together in 2015, with an all-new driver line-up replacing the outgoing Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff.

Reigning manufacturers’ champion MG has confirmed it will be offering works backing for another campaign, which extends beyond the original three-year deal struck with Triple Eight.

But no drivers have been confirmed to date, with Triple Eight working on an “exciting new-look line-up” for 2015. The team also says its re-branded MG6 GTs will feature a “host of new sponsors,” and it is waiting to confirm how many cars it will be running.

It was widely understood that neither Plato nor Tordoff would return to the team in 2015, with Tordoff today being confirmed at West Surrey Racing and with Plato’s programme still to be announced after the two-time champion had confirmed he was looking at other options late last season. The rebranding of the team is connected to Plato’s departure, due to Plato’s deals with Tesco which have provided title sponsorship for the last three seasons.

The team also ran a third MG6 for Marc Hynes last season, but the former Formula Three champion’s place on the grid wasn’t connected with the factory MG deal.

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.”