FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

19 October 1999

VODAFONE NISSAN RACING ARE BTCC CONQUERORS

Nissan entered into the history books this season with a clean sweep of all four British Touring Car Championship titles – a first for any manufacturer.  The Vodafone Nissan racing team took the Manufacturers’ title by Round 20, with six races still to run, the Teams’ championship by Round 22 and the Drivers’ title by Round 23. Matt Neal, in last year’s works Nissan, won the Michelin Cup for Independents by Round 19.

Laurent Aiello, newcomer to this year’s BTCC, clinched the Drivers’ championship at Oulton Park’s Round 23. The Frenchman won an impressive 10 rounds this season – more than any other driver. In addition he has achieved more podium finishes (15) and more pole positions (11) than any other competitor.

“Winning the drivers’ championship is a fantastic achievement,” said Laurent Aiello. “I never expected to win the championship in my first season with Nissan. I saw the first year as time spent learning the job. I thought, maybe I would win the championship in my second year. But I drive for a very good team and I am lucky that the Primera is a superb car. Looking to the future, I shall enjoy being the champion for a while and then turn my thoughts to retaining the title next year.”

Nissan Motor (GB) Limited Managing Director Brian Carolin said: “For the second successive year we have outpaced our rivals – Vauxhall, Honda and Ford. To win all four titles has been a remarkable achievement and the result of much hard work from a dedicated team – Nissan Motorsports Europe, Ray Mallock Ltd and Advanced Engine Research Ltd. 

Vodafone Nissan racing are BTCC conquerors…2

“The BTCC is a great showcase for Nissan and the Primera has consistently proved to be the better car. It is fitting that we achieved all four accolades as sales began of our latest generation Primera.”

The Vodafone Nissan racecar and this year’s trophies will be on display on the Nissan stand throughout the Earls Court Motor Show – 21-31 October.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew Roberts          Manager, Product Affairs                    01923 899930

e-mail:                         andrew.roberts@nissan.co.uk

Linda Robinson           Press Officer, Product Affairs            01923 899930

e-mail:                         linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk

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