Pirelli Star Driver winner Darren Gass got to test his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX for the very first time on Tuesday.

He was joined by fellow Northern Irishman Kris Meeke, who was on hand to give the 19-year-old, the benefit of his experience.

Gass made the trip to Wales to acclimatise himself with the Evo ahead of the Pirelli International Rally next week, the opening round in the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, which runs from April 18-19.

After the first few runs Gass and Meeke were both surprised how slippery it was on the forestry loop.

"It's a different beast to the Citroen [I drove last year] and if you go off the clean line it takes much longer to come back after it has gone sideways," Gass explained.

"It was all new today; I had to learn the stage first, as Neil isn't here to call the 'notes. Then the car is so different, even from the WRC Subaru I drove once last year and to cap it all I'm using a HANS helmet for the first time too."

The test though was very useful as Gass hasn't driven competitively since the final BRC round back in December. As such it was a good way for him to get back in the groove.

"It has been a good day and well worthwhile," he added. "The stages in Kielder should have more grip so it will take a couple of stages to get the feel of it, I'm really looking forward to it."