Evans was consistently quick throughout the two days and reported fastest class times in 11 out of the 14 stages. "The MG ZR is clearly showing its true potential on the domestic rally front." Gwyndaf explains: "The MG team is going from strength to strength. I’m delighted to have finished third in the British Rally Championship considering we’ve only competed in five out of seven rounds. Out of the five starts in the BRC we’ve won our class on three occasions, which shows the MG ZR’s ability."

Co-driver Chris Patterson added: "I’m really pleased for the whole team. This is the third outing for the new team and we’ve secured two wins. To finish third in the championship and 2nd in the Super1600 class is a fantastic achievement."

MG Team Spirit supported MG Rover Group employee Rob Stone who rounded off his 2002 British Rally Championship campaign with another fine 2nd place in the Group N3 Class. Despite the teams’ best efforts including 5 stage wins in the class, the MG ZR finished runner-up on the both the event and the Championship.

The team also managed to finish an incredible 4th in the Production Cup, a trophy that combines all Group N cars. Rob secured the first two-wheel drive non-turbo car in the Cup and only missed out on 3rd place to ex-British Champion Tapio Laukkanen by a single point.

Commenting on the rally Rob said: "The gravel roads of North Yorkshire are typified by long straights where the car is bouncing off the rev-limiter in top gear at over 100 mph. With trees just feet away from the road strong nerves are a must.

Remembering this is the first year of competition for the MG ZR and Team Spirits’ first foray into the elite league of British Rallying it’s been an amazing."