MG Rover In DTM In 2005[merged]

[andy97]

Autosport on line has announced this. Excellent news, as long as the job is to be done properly. I hope that the company supports some British Drivers.

[flor]

a German magazine claims the drivers will be Jamie Campbell-Walter and Nicolas Minassian, but they were often wrong in the past

[gwyllion]

Minassian is popular. He is also named to drive the Oreca R8, but still seems to have a contract with Creation.

I would bet on Peter Dumbreck getting a seat as well. Maybe Timo Scheider as well.

[mcurtis26]

Antony Reid could be a good option, i'd certainly like to see him get a chance. Autosport is reporting 4 cars will be raced

[gwyllion]

Autosport can reveal that MG plans to run four cars in next year's series.

Does this mean they will race under the MG name? Or will they use the Rover 75 V8?

4 cars is nice indeed.

[Peter Mallett]

There is an MG V8 version.

[andy97]

How about 4 from Perry Mcarthy, Robin Liddell, Tim Mullen, Warren Hughes and Rob Barff for drives?

[BootsOntheSide]

Reid is contracted to MG, not to the West Surrey Racing team he drove for in the BTCC, so they'll have first refusal on him. This could be the ideal time to enter the DTM, as they can use this as aleearning year before moving up the (weakened) 2006 field.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

There is an MG V8 version.

Indeed, but there is not a bit difference between the Rover 75 V8 and the MG ZT 260 V8 (such a long name ).

[Peter Mallett]

Yeah but doesn't body style also have an effect? The MG comes with more factory spoilers etc. Therefore the rules (if I understand them correcty) allow more aero aids than for the spoiler-less Rover?

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by flor

a German magazine claims the drivers will be Jamie Campbell-Walter and Nicolas Minassian, but they were often wrong in the past

Highly unlikely, because Creation Autosportif announced to retaine the services of both for their 2005 LMES/ALMS campaign.
source: crash.net

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Yeah but doesn't body style also have an effect? The MG comes with more factory spoilers etc. Therefore the rules (if I understand them correcty) allow more aero aids than for the spoiler-less Rover?

It makes no difference. The DTM cars are not based at all on the body work of the original road cars. It is just a fibre body which resembles the road car (wheel base and length are the same, etc.).

[Thommy]

Okay, as teams I suggest Rosberg and Phoenix

as drivers Reid, Dumbrek, Scheider and maybe Albers

[mcurtis26]

Warren Hughes could be an interesting option, especially as he has unfinished business with the DTM after his season with the Mondeo

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Thommy

Okay, as teams I suggest Rosberg and Phoenix

as drivers Reid, Dumbrek, Scheider and maybe Albers

Zytek is designing the car. Won't they run the cars?

I agree with your guess for the drivers, but really doubt Albers will be allowed to drive for another DTM deal. He still has a contract with Mercedes, but really wants his F1 seat (yesterday f1racing.nl mentionned his F1 budget is complete).

[Thommy]

Is it really true Zytek will develop the cars? I don't think so, but don't ask me why. I don't believe the whole project, as well...

But, as a 4th driver I could mention Thomas Jäger, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Pedro Lamy or Marcel Tiemann as experienced DTM- drivers...

[alfan]

Very suprising , I'd rather think about Rover going to WTCC. But i'ts very nice information as well

[Silk Cut Jaguar]

Is this out of the blue or did I just miss the rumours? Still, it'll be nice to cheer on a British make in the DTM next year... especially if they bring along a few British drivers.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Silk Cut Jaguar

Is this out of the blue or did I just miss the rumours? Still, it'll be nice to cheer on a British make in the DTM next year... especially if they bring along a few British drivers.

Apparently there was a rumor in the German magazine "Auto Bild Motorsport". Yesterday, ITR (DTM organization) acknowleged a 4th manufacturer would enter DTM in 2005, but did not name the manufacturer. Sources confirmed that Zytek has been working on a touring car project since september. Now Autosport reports that MG Rover will enter 4 DTM cars. I guess the rumor is quite solid.

[BSchneiderFan]

Might not WSR run at least two of the cars? Reid/Hughes would make a lot of sense (though Hughes might feel a little disenchanted with MG Rover).

[flor]

this should certainly increase the chance of a DTM race in Britain?

[Gabrio]

I do not believe this project is for real. MG is being sold, the new owners have not walked in yet and they also have to digest Sang Yong. DTM costs an awful lot of money and is basically directed at the german market only, while WTCC promotes vehicles in the whole world and is at least 5 times cheaper. It doesn't make much sense...Plus, MG is not earning money...

[JMeissner]

Keep in mind that Autosport hasn't confirmed anything, nor has MG/Rover confirmed anything. The only thing that Autosport says is that their sources have confirmed it...

[flor]

5 times cheaper? can you tell me alfa's budget for example?

[Thommy]

If I believe some datas, MG-Rover Germany spends more money in advertising than any other car- manufactorer. They are doing a hugh sportsponsoring in ladies- bob- sliding (no joke)