MINI to return to the WRC

The manufacturer that took Paddy Hopkirk, Timo Makinen and Rauno Aaltonen to many wins in the 1960's has confirmed its return to the WRC next year.

MINI have announced that they will return to the WRC with the all-new Countryman from 2011 onwards. They will compete in various events in 2011, with the view to competing in a full WRC programme in 2012.

“I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport.” said Ian Robertson, who forms part of the BMW Board of Management “The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying.

“The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.”

Prodrive will built the cars, with only the 1.6 litre turbo engines being built be BMW Motorsport, and run the firm's cars throughout their WRC campain. Testing is due to begin the Autumn.

Dave Richards, previous boss of the Subaru World Rally Team, Benetton F1, BAR Honda F1 team and is currently boss of Prodrive and Aston Martin Racing said: “This is a very exciting new motorsport programme. During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally.”

“I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.”

No drivers have been announced but drivers such as double World Champion Marcus Gronholm, IRC Champion Kris Meeke, P-G Andersson, Markko Martin and loyal Prodrive customer Mads Otsberg.

"Obviously our priority is to get the best drivers, whatever nationality. But I have always tried if possible to have one British driver in the team. There are a few candidates and maybe we will go for a younger driver, in the way we did with Colin and Richard."

Gronholm has apparently already been contacted by MINI: “There was some contact a while ago. I might be interested. I would have to think. It’s tough for the whole season again, but maybe it would be good to be involved in testing and some rallies.”

MINI's announcement has received sizable praise from North One Sport CEO Simon Long. He said that MINI's return is an 'endorsement' of the recent changes to the technical regulations and sporting regulations.

He siad: "I'm delighted that a manufacturer of BMW's status has chosen the WRC for MINI's rallying programme. Obviously it's great to see the return of the iconic MINI, a car with such a strong rallying pedigree, but it also means that with MINI, Ford and Citroen, the WRC is supported by three of the most exciting brands in the global car market.

"One of our priorities as WRC promoter has been to attract new manufacturers and teams, and we've worked hard to ensure the sport works for them in marketing terms. The new World Rally Car specification for 2011 has made cars cheaper to build and closer to the models in the showroom, while next year's calendar works not only in commercial terms but also delivers a diverse and competitive championship. MINI's decision is largely marketing driven and a major vote of confidence in the work done so far."

Richards has also released MINI's aims for the next three years: "The target is clearly to be competitive from the outset and we have set a target with BMW and MINI of the world title within the next three years," he told Reuters. "We (Prodrive) have got six world titles to our credit already so we've been there before and know what it takes to do it. We are setting about that task very meticulously.”