The Mini World Rally Team's campaign will not start until Rally d'Italia-Sardegna next year, due to delays getting the project signed off by BMW, Mini's owners.
Based on the Mini Countryman, Prodrive have been assigned to construct and run the cars and already have four shells ready to go, they are waiting on the 1.6 Liter engines, which are being built in Germany by BMW's motorsport section.
Prodrive have hinted at four cars being run on from Rally Sweden, but the delays mean that there will be no Mini presence at the first four rounds of the WRC.
No drivers have been announced but Mini UK, who are funding the team, are pushing for a British driver in the team. Drivers such as Mads Ostberg, P-G Andersson and Kris Meeke are rumored to be driving for the team next year.
The official launch of the team is believed to be in Rome, just before the rally's ceremonial start.
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