MG has confirmed its driver line-up for this year’s British Touring Car Championship after announcing Aron Taylor-Smith and Daniel Lloyd will pilot its pair of MG6 GT machines for the upcoming campaign.
Taylor-Smith, who joins after a season at now-departed Team BKR in which he claimed the team’s maiden victory – the third of his career – at Rockingham, also took two further trips to the podium behind the wheel of his Volkswagen CC last year.
Meanwhile Lloyd joins for his first full season after several sporadic appearances in the championship, most recently for Eurotech Racing last season in which he scored two front-row starts in a Honda Civic Type R.
The drivers have been set the target of improving upon the results Ashley Sutton and Josh Cook secured last campaign, including pole position at Donington Park and a victory in the wet at Croft.
“I’m happy that these guys will deliver some solid results for the team,” commented Ian Harrison.
“Aron is a proven race winner, and we know Daniel has the speed. With more BTCC race experience under his belt, he will be running at the front. The championship looks wide open this year with plenty of other changes in the line-up, and we expect to be right in the mix.”
“It’s a real shame in one way to leave BKR who did such an amazing job last year in their first season, but now I am fully focussed on the 2017 season and excited to ensure I deliver the results that MG not only deserve but are capable of,” said Taylor-Smith.
“I am pleased that many of my key team members who made 2016 so enjoyable are coming with me to MG / Triple Eight allowing us all to enjoy further success.”
“I’m really excited,” commented Lloyd. “The majority of my racing has been rear-wheel drive so really looking forward to continuing to learn in the front-wheel drive car. I loved the BTCC last year during the three rounds I competed in; I was very keen to make a full return and am delighted to have got the opportunity with MG RCIB Insurance Racing.
“I made my BTCC debut as a one off with Triple Eight way back in 2010 when I was obviously very young at Croft; it will be great to be back within the team. I also get on really well with Aron; obviously Aron is very quick so I think we can bounce off each other.”