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 Λ mass measurement mΛ=1115.6MeV/c2 with σ=0.92MeV/c2, pπ− relative momentum resolution σQ≈2.7MeV/c, and evidence for $\pi^