Stuart Jones is feeling confident that he will be on the pace in his MSD-built MG Super 2000 Sport on the Pirelli International Rally next week.
Jones, who got his first taste of the car on the Wales Rally GB last year, took in the Red Dragon Rally last weekend and after a trouble-free run, during which he set some extremely competitive times, he reckons the signs are good for the opening round in the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, which runs from April 18-19.
Indeed after making his debut in the BRC two years ago, the Welshman, who competed in the
FIA Production Car World Rally Championship last year, is bullish about his prospects.
"The car has come along a lot since Wales Rally GB but nothing beats competitive mileage against your rivals," he noted. "Whilst we can already see gains in performance we won't really have an idea of our pace until we arrive at the Pirelli Rally and go head to head.
"I am really confident though that we can take the fight to the top drivers in the Championship. We recently used the Red Dragon Rally as a test and were very pleased with how the day went.
"A big thanks to MSD, who have put a lot of time and effort into developing the car since the Wales Rally GB. I am sure that we will be on the pace from very the beginning."
MSD team principal David Whitehead meanwhile is also convinced the Welshpool resident will be a serious challenger.
"MSD and MG are delighted to have teamed up with Stuart," he added. "We see Stuart as one of the UK's emerging rally talents.
"It is entirely appropriate then that he is one of the first to seriously campaign the MG S2000 in the fast emerging Super 2000 category. We fully expect Stuart to take the challenge to the leading Group N competitors and we wish him the best of luck in the BRC."
Jones' deal with MSD will see him not only compete in the BRC, but he will also be involved in crucial test and development work with the MG, as well as also possibly taking in a selection of events in Europe later on this year.
