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Proton will be entering next years series with a pair of Impians which are to be built by Puresports Engineering, who are based in Norfolk. The team will be backed by Petronas.
Leslie, who was runner-up in the BTCC drivers' championship in 1999, has been described by the team as the ideal choice, being one of the most experienced Touring car drivers in the UK. There has been no indication yet as to who his team mate will be.
Granada Sport and BMP (British Motorsport Promoters Ltd) have announced a new television deal for the British Touring Car Championship in 2002. This agreement will result in the BTCC being shown in a one-hour programme on saturday afternoons in all the major ITV regions. All 10 events will be televised on a one-week deferred basis, with seven of them screened after Grand Prix qualifying. All the races will be shown between 1.30pm and 3.00pm.The initial contract is for two years, with an option on a third term. It will give the BTCC access to a very large audience footprint featuring millions of homes and potential viewers. It attracted over 19 million viewers this season, including the biggest audience in its history – 2.4 million for the final round at Brands Hatch. Its UK ratings have traditionally been second only to Formula One.
"This is a superb deal for the championship and its competitors," said BTCC Series Director Richard West. "I'm delighted that we have reached an agreement with Granada Sport, and I'd like to thank them for their strenuous efforts in helping put this deal together.
"We have worked hard to deliver regular one-hour slots that will portray the series in its best light. The fact that seven of the events will follow on from Formula One qualifying is a tremendous endorsement of a series that continues to go from strength to strength."
When asked why he went for the deal with Granada Sport as opposed to other offers Richard west said, "The depth of experience within the Granada Sport division was a major attraction. Their enthusiasm and drive for the project has been very refreshing and I believe they have the ability to push the whole show forward.
Granada Sports', Managing Director Jim Raven said "Next to Formula One, we believe the British Touring Car Championship to be the most prestigious motor sports series in the UK and we're delighted to welcome it to the ITV family".
The following major regions have already agreed to screen Granada Sport's coverage: LWT, Meridian, Anglia, Granada, Yorkshire, Tyne Tees, Border TV, Channel and Central. Negotiations are ongoing with the remaining regions.
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| JASON PLATO | JAMES THOMPSON |
Plato and Muller fought a season long battle to win the championship and there was a great deal friction between the pair of them both on and off the track.
Vauxhall have said that they expect competition to be much closer next season and that they wanted two drivers who would work well together to defend their titles in 2002. "We have every confidence that we will be starting next year's assault on the BTCC with a formidable duo."
There have been no announcements yet as to whom Plato will be driving for next year, but he has been linked to both the MG team and 2002 newcomer Proton.
James Thompson Photo courtesy of vauxhall Motorsports
MG have been to the High Court claiming ownership of the design and the two ZS cars which contested the final three rounds of the BTCC. Lola will refute this claim at the High Court next week, claiming that they retain the intellectual rights of the Rover 45-based race-car.
It is rumoured that MG wants current race team, West Surrey Racing to take control of the BTCC project. Should the High Court find in favour of Lola, then WSR would have to design and build a new car from scratch.