MG Triple Eight Racing has signed Josh Cook and Ashley Sutton for the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, each driving a works-supported MG6.

Cook, 2014 Renault UK Clio Cup runner-up, made his debut in the BTCC last year with Power Maxed Racing. Cook caught the eye at both Donington Park and Rockingham as he duelled for the lead, reached the podium and posted a fastest race lap – he carried on this form and went on to clinch victory in the Jack Sears Trophy come season’s end.

“I’m over the moon to be working with a team and manufacturer that has such heritage,” said Cook. “I have worked extremely hard since the end of last season to get back on the grid – it was the only place I wanted to be. I now have an important job to do to give back to the sponsors who have got me here. I’m 100 per cent focused and will be prepared in every aspect, starting with my mental approach and fitness.

“The introduction of the new RML components is bound to mix it up, and I’m coming straight off the back of a strong first season in the BTCC. I want to keep that momentum going and be competing for the top step from the first round.

“I have no doubt that the knowledge and experience at MG Triple Eight Racing will enable me to do that. This is an important step in my career, and I’m looking ahead to being a championship contender with MG and Triple Eight.”

Sutton will join Cook at, similarly graduating to Britain’s pre-eminent motor sport series from the Renault UK Clio Cup, where he secured the 2015 title in his maiden campaign. Sutton debuted on the BTCC support package in 2014, completing a part-campaign in the Formula Ford series.

“It has been a dream of mine to compete in the BTCC from a very young age,” said Sutton. “Over the past two years I have had some amazing support from my two main sponsors, GlobalForce Group and Select Fire as well as my manager, Warren Scott. I can happily say I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of their efforts as well as mine. I will continue working with Warren behind the scenes as we have a great relationship.

“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my MG6 – the car has proven what it is capable of over the years. I have every faith in Triple Eight Racing to deliver a race-winning car, so I will be putting in all my efforts to bring home some good results.

“This is going to be a big learning curve for me and with not much testing planned I have my work cut out for the year, but I feel I couldn’t be more ready for this challenge and I will grab it with both hands and give it my all. I can’t wait to get started and to get stuck in with the team – roll on round one!”

Triple Eight Racing Managing Director, Ian Harrison, said: “Both Josh and Ash are young chargers eager to build up their knowledge in this category. We know what they can do and hope to help them build their performance throughout the season with pace and consistency.”

MG Motor UK Ltd recently confirmed a three-year contract extension with Triple Eight Racing in the BTCC, and with its up and coming driver line-up, the manufacturer has every intention of developing a potential champion.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: “We are proud to support the team, continuing MG Motor UK Ltd’s association with Triple Eight Racing and the BTCC over the next three years as the team nurtures young, ambitious, home-grown talent. We look forward to a successful season with many more to come.”