In recent seasons, Blundell has spearheaded MG's campaigns in the Le Mans
24 Hour sportscar race - an event he won back in 1992. The specialist
nature of world rallying is something which Blundell is looking forward
to.
"Rally GB is going to be a very exciting challenge for me,"
he said. "It's quite daunting, but I can't wait to get in the MG
and give it a crack. I'm planning to do a couple of stage rallies in the
coming weeks to prepare myself for the big task ahead, but I know that
this is certainly going to be a very tough event.
"I'm looking forward to being back in the driving seat, although
it'll be very strange to have someone sat beside me - I'm used to being
out on my own! All in all, this new venture into rallying is a real treat
and I must thank MG for giving me this opportunity."
Blundell's team mate for the event will be regular MG ZS driver and Rally
GB favourite Gwyndaf Evans.
Evans and co-driver Chris Patterson have tackled several rounds of the
Junior World Championship this season, as well as finishing third overall
in the Pirelli British Rally championship.
"I'm really looking forward to Rally GB for a number of reasons,"
admitted Gwyndaf. "To be part of an all-British entry on a WRC round
on home soil with support and following from the home crowd is great feeling."
Rob Oldaker, managing director of MG Sport & Racing added: "
Naturally I am delighted that MG, a truly British company, will be out
in force for the Rally of Great Britain. Essentially 2002 has been about
the introduction of the MG ZR to the rally circuit and through its development
this year it's really starting to show it's potential. Mark Blundell has
done a tremendous job for us on the Le Mans programme and I wish him well
on his debut."
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