MINI debuts high-class calibre car for the 2011 World Rally Championship
MINI is one step closer to its 2011 World Rally Championship season with the launching of its classy MINI Countryman WRC car at the Paris Motor Show. The 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, DI Turbo-charged powerhouse
thrilled racing fans with its stocky yet sleek physique, staging several technical innovations which promise to set the rally circuit alight next year.
“The response to our announcement that MINI will return to the world of rallying next year was very positive,” commented BMW AG board member Ian Robertson.
“The FIA World Rally Championship is the pinnacle of rallying, making it the ideal platform for demonstrating the competitive spirit of our brand. The development of the car is running on schedule, and
the preparations for the world championship are in full swing. The MINI Countryman production model provided the ideal basis for our new world championship challenger.”
MINI’s history in rally car racing is a long and prestigious one, boasting a series of victories during the 60’s at the Monte Carlo Rally, Acropolis Rally, RAC Rally (now the Wales Rally GB), 1000 Lakes
Rally, and the European Rally Championship in ’65 with the MINI 850 and Clubman models. Iconic rally drivers such as Paddy Hopkirk, Timo Mäkinen, Rauno Aaltonen, Paul Easter and Henry Liddon drove the car during its golden age, and in 2011, Britain’s Kris
Meeke will take the helm for MINI’s re-initiation into the sport.
The highly reputable British motorsport firm Prodrive will guide the project, and founder David Richards has expressed his delight at resurrecting the brand.
“This project is a truly passionate opportunity,” Richards stated. “MINI is a cult brand which left a lasting impression during its previous motor sport campaigns. We are both extremely happy and proud
to be on board as a partner when MINI returns to rallying. We aim to use 2011 as a preparatory year, amassing experience in order to ensure we are fully competitive from the start of the following season. But let’s not underestimate the task ahead of us nor
the stiff competition we will face on the way; our target is firmly set on winning the World Championship title again with MINI.”
The MINI Countryman WRC car features a BMW Motorsport Engine, Michelin Tyres, permanent four wheel drive. It is about 30 kilos lighter and uses five percent less power than the current rally car rival
vehicles.
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