  The low-energy QCD predictions to be tested by the DIRAC experiment are
revised. The experimental method, the setup characteristics and capabilities,
along with first experimental results are reported. Preliminary analysis shows
good detector performance: alignment error via $\Lambda$ mass measurement
$m_\Lambda = 1115.6 MeV/c^2$ with $\sigma = 0.92 MeV/c^2$, $p \pi^-$ relative
momentum resolution $\sigma_Q \approx 2.7 MeV/c$, and evidence for $\pi^+
\pi^-$ low momentum Coulomb correlation.
