STATEMENT FROM BTCC SERIES DIRECTOR ALAN GOW

This statement is from BTCC Series Director Alan Gow following SEAT's announcement that it will withdraw from the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (and all motor sport activity in the UK) at the end of the 2008 season.

"Obviously it's disappointing, but I fully respect SEAT's decision - times change and every company's programmes and/or priorities change with them. SEAT's decision to withdraw from not only the BTCC but also the Cupra Championship underlines the fact that it has decided that motor sport (in general) does not form part of its future plans, for now.

"Any motor manufacturer that chooses to go motor racing does so as part of a major focused marketing strategy. SEAT has clearly fulfilled its aims by participating in the BTCC and I'm very proud to note that, in its own words, SEAT's brand image has been 'massively enhanced' by doing so - thus firmly endorsing the great benefit that participating in the BTCC has been to it.

"SEAT has been a fabulous competitor in the BTCC during these past five years and our many millions of fans, whether trackside or watching live on TV, will miss its team, drivers and cars. We sincerely wish it well for the future."