Jason Hughes proved there is life in the old dog yet as far as the MG ZS is concerned after qualifying just outside the top ten for the latest rounds of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship.

On his home circuit of Oulton Park, the Kartworld Racing man produced one of the most impressive performances of the day to qualify in 13th place – having only been knocked out of the top twelve by a last minute lap from Andrew Jordan.

It leaves Hughes in a strong position to fight for points on race day and he admitted he was happy with the way it had gone.

“We are where we hoped to be,” he said. “The circuit has always been a good one for the MG, but we have a new engine in this weekend and have benefitted from the fact they've taken 25 kilos off the weight of the BTC-spec cars. It helps with the brakes and the tyres but it means that we then have to work on the set-up again.

“I managed to tag onto a few people in qualifying when I had fresh rubber on and that helped me to find about eight-tenths of a second.”

With Dave Pinkney having re-advertised his Honda Integra, Hughes confirmed that he will remain at the wheel of the MG for the rest of the year but has his sights set on expanding to run two cars again next year – although the MG could still be seen on the grid if the right person comes along.

“We would have needed to spend a lot of money on the Honda but it got to the stage where it wasn't worth it, so we will continue with the MG and then evaluate where we go next season,” he said. “I have a few people I am talking to about doing something for 2009 and I would definitely like to run two cars.

“We could continue to run the MG for someone as I think there is a good few years left in it yet. It would be a shame to put it to bed before its time is up.”