Dani Sordo confirmed as MINI WRC driver

MINI WRC Team has confirmed Dani Sordo as the second pilot that will be driving the team’s car in the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship. The Spaniard will be joining Kris Meeke (GB) in the return of MINI to the rallies.

“There has been a great deal of excitement surrounding MINI’s return to the WRC, so to be part of this new team is a fantastic opportunity for me,” says the 27-year-old Sordo. “I’m sure MINI has a big future in the sport. I’m looking forward to working with Kris Meeke, having completed a very successful test with him in Sardinia last November.”

Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI thinks that the two drivers have all the experience and speed that the team needs to progress on the MINI WRC programme.

“Dani may only be 27, but he is already one of the most experienced drivers in the WRC and has been competing at the very highest level for the last five years,” says David Richards, Chairman of Prodrive.  “I believe with the new MINI WRC and in the right environment, he can now take the next step and add to his 29 podiums with victories on WRC events and become a challenger for a WRC title.”

Having taken part in the WRC since 2003, Sordo is a very experienced driver, driving in the same team as Sébastien Loeb for several seasons. The Spaniard is a former Junior World Rally Champion and throughout his WRC career he already grabbed 29 podium finishes and 102 stage wins.

After finishing fifth in the overall standings of the 2010 WRC, Dani Sordo is now searching for new challenges. In 2011 he will be joining MINI WRC Team and will have the chance to enter the new MINI WRC in at least six WRC events. This will give Sordo and his co-driver Diego Vallejo the chance of working closely with Prodrive, responsible for the development of the MINI WRC.