The MG ZR Super 1600 (EX258) makes its rally debut in the opening round of the 2002 FIA Junior World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo on Thursday with Gwyndaf Evans behind the wheel.

The car has been developed and will be managed by rally experts GSE Motorsport with Advance Engine Research (AER) responsible for the final preparation of the 1.6-litre K Series engine.

Steve Bond, team manager of GSE Motorsport, said: "Everyone at GSE has been working hard for well over a year to get to this point. We are delighted with the initial performance of the car and look forward to MG's competition debut. We still have some refinements to make, however I am certain that results will follow before too long."

Evans, who will be co-driven by Ulsterman Chris Patterson, said: "Come ice or snow we're in at the deep end, but I'm really looking forward to the debut of the MG ZR rally car at Monte Carlo.

"We had some time in the car before Christmas and will undertake further refinements before the rally. At this stage we really have an open mind as to what to expect in Monte Carlo."

This will complete MG's trio of motorsport debuts following its return to the Le Mans 24-hour race and the British Touring Car Championship in 2001.

Rob Oldaker, managing director of MG Sport & Racing said: "The MG ZR Junior World Rally Car has been developed over the past few months with the help of GSE. Gwyndaf has been busy testing.

"We expect to see Gwyndaf compete in the Super 1600 series this year and are looking for the same amazing impact as we achieved with our BTCC and Le Mans efforts in 2001."