MG Motor UK, the Longbridge-based operation of the Chinese-owned car brand, will participate in the British Touring Car Championship this year.

The carmaker, which aims to expand its dealer network, is building a racing version of its MG6 car, which it launched in the UK last year.

It has secured former BTCC double champion and Fifth Gear TV presenter Jason Plato as one of its drivers.

Participation in BTCC is hoped to bring the brand significant exposure, both to race-goers and viewers on ITV4.

Guy Jones, MG Motor’s sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted that the new MG6 will be seen by millions of fans in Britain and beyond and this continues the famous sporting lineage of the brand.”

MG had raced in the BTCC last decade prior to the collapse of its then owner, Rover.