Hughes forced to play waiting game

Jason Hughes will be forced to wait and see if he is able to take to the track for the opening rounds of the new HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship as he awaits the all-clear from doctors following his knee surgery.

Hughes has yet to drive his KWR Sport MG ZS this year after the operation, meaning he has already missed out on valuable track time at both Rockingham and Brands Hatch when compared to his rivals.

Jason Hughes (GBR) KartWorld Racing MG
Jason Hughes (GBR) KartWorld Racing MG
© Jakob Ebrey Photography

Jason Hughes will be forced to wait and see if he is able to take to the track for the opening rounds of the new HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship as he awaits the all-clear from doctors following his knee surgery.

Hughes has yet to drive his KWR Sport MG ZS this year after the operation, meaning he has already missed out on valuable track time at both Rockingham and Brands Hatch when compared to his rivals.

However, whether or not he races this weekend is now down to his physiotherapist, with the possibility that he may have to wait until the second round of the season at Thruxton before hitting the track for the first time this year.

"I have an appointment with the doctor and physio on Wednesday, and should know then, whether I'll be able to race this weekend," he said. "I knew when I had the operation that it may be a lengthy recovery process. When it was delayed until February, I took the chance and had hoped that it would be ready in time for the first rounds.

"Although the car and I were not present at Media Day at Rockingham almost two weeks ago, there were a selection of companies who wanted to see the benefits of advertising in the BTCC with KWR Sport, and I think the level of interest may result in a promising outcome.

"We have seen recently how rule changes have affected the outcome in Formula One. With the changes made to the older BTC-spec cars, it should allow us to be much more competitive in 2009."

Hughes added that even if not cleared to drive, he still intended to make the trip to a circuit where the ZS has run strongly in the past.

"It will be such a disappointment if I am told that I cannot race this weekend," he said. "I have looked forward to making my return to the series at a track where we are usually very strong in the MG.

"If I am told I am unable to race at Brands Hatch this weekend, then I am aiming to still be present there."

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