MINI makes a Comeback in the World Rally Championship 2011

 

The decision is logical sequence of the brand’s success story in racing, which began in the 1950s and 1960s with the victories of the MINI Cooper S at the legendary Monte Carlos Rally. Further successes at the European Rally Championship have contributed to the brand’s outstanding popularity. As Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, states: "The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand."

 

As a model to compete from 2011 on, MINI chose the MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed by Prodrive, formerly partner of Subaru, in close cooperation with MINI and it is based on the production model. The development began in 2009 and the new model will comply with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

 

The MINI Countryman WRC will be powered by a 1.6 litre, fourcylinder turbocharged engine from BMW Motorsport. It bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle as it offers more space and comfort while preserving the typical "gokart" feeling of a MINI. Taking it a step further there’s an optional MINI ALL4 allwheeldrive system.

 

First testing of the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010. Prodrive announced that significant numbers of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car are already coming in and first deliveries are scheduled for the beginning of the 2011 season.

 

Will MINI will be able to match its historical successes in rallying? That will be an exciting question to be answered by the upcoming seasons.