14 June 2001: MG is making an historic return to Le Mans to compete in the world famous 24-hour endurance race on Saturday and Sunday June 16/17, 2001. The last time an MG competed in the 24-hour Le Mans race was in 1965 when Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges finished 11th in the race - the best an MGB had achieved there and second in its class.

Sporting the green MG octagon on X-Power grey paintwork, the MG Lola EX257 has been produced by Lola Cars International to complete in the LMP 675 class at Le Mans. Advanced Engine Research (AER), responsible for the power-unit Lola used to win last year's LMP 675 class at Le Mans, was commissioned to produce a brand new light-weight 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Rob Oldaker, managing director of MG Sport & Racing Limited, said theccompany is 'extremely proud' to be entering an MG into Le Mans in only the company's second year.

"We have embarked on a three year motorsport programme and 2001 is very much a testing and development year." he said. "It will be a huge bonus to us if we can show pace and an even greater bonus to finish the race. The team is motivated, enthusiastic, determined but also realistic in its approach to its success at Le Mans 2001." CH/BB