The Flying Scotsman, Alister McRae, hit the forests in his Ford Escort RS1800 yesterday, ahead of this weekend's Dunlop International Classic Rally of Otago.

McRae got to grips with the Bryce Biggs-prepared BDA Escort in cold and wet conditions, and from all reports, he looked impressive and loved the car.

Check out the McRae testing photos, kindly supplied to us by "Crowbar".

And, to get you in the mood for what you can expect from the former World Rally Championship driver this weekend, here's some exciting action of McRae at the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer.