MG ZR to make competition debut at Rally GB.

For their return to rallying, MG has developed the MG ZR EX258 in line with the new Super 1600 category rules. Rally experts GSE Motorsport are responsible for the vehicle development and management, with the car to be driven by Gwyndaf Evans - the 1996 British Rally Champion.

AER will again prepare the 1.6 litre K Series engine, with testing due to begin in June, and the cars first outing scheduled for the Cardiff-based Rally GB on November 22-26.

"The MG ZR is a very well balanced car and provides an excellent platform from which to build," stated Steve Bond, Team Manager of GSE Motorsport. "The regulations for the Super 1600cc category are very clearly defined by the FIA, making it possibly the most rigid category that there is at present. That means that the leeway in terms of car design is limited, making it a fairly level playing field that we are entering.

"Having said that with Baz Cannon designing the car and AER directing the engine modifications we have the ingredients with which to mount a serious attack.

"The initial challenge was to establish the prototype specification but now that this is complete, the emphasis will change and focus upon a comprehensive test programme. We do not want to be developing the car as we go along - when we go into competition, the car will be fully prepared".