Ex-Formula One driver Mark Blundell has described his recent rally debut as "a baptism of fire".

The 36-year-old Blundell, who will make his World Rally Championship debut in Great Britain next month, completed the Bulldog Rally for MG over the weekend.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day," said Blundell, who competed in 61 Formula One races between 1991 and 1995 before forging a successful career in the FedEx CART Championship.

"It was full of action - we had gear selector trouble which left me stuck in third for about eight miles of a stage and I topped this by managing to put the car on its side.

"All in all it was a steep learning curve. It was a bit of a baptism of fire, but a very useful day in terms of gaining experience of forest stage rallying.

"After only 45 minutes at the wheel at Silverstone last week, it was good to get through this first event with the car intact and to reach the finish.

"Now I can concentrate on developing my rally driving technique and working towards improving my stage times."