Mini Returns to WRC

madan80 · 30th July 2010, 07:02

Iconic British brand back in WRC to take on Sebastian Loeb and the mighty Citroen.

The new Mini is aiming to emulate the famous motorsport feats of the original after owner BMW confirmed its iconic British brand would re-enter the World Rally Championship. BMW's announcement to enter a WRC version of its new all-wheel-drive Countryman soft-roader in selected rounds next year follows months of speculation.

The Mini Countryman WRC car will then contest full seasons from 2012 onwards, including a return to Monte Carlo - the venue for a hat-trick of wins in the 1960s for the first Mini.

Mini's campaign will be run by British engineering specialists Prodrive, a company that is a part owner locally of Ford Performance Vehicles and has a proven WRC record with the Subaru Impreza.

The Countryman WRC will be based closely on the production car to ensure it complies with the new Super2000 regulations introduced by governing body FIA. The all-wheel-drive Mini will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine produced by BMW Motorsport but related to the unit used in the road-going Minis.

BMW says testing of the new Mini WRC will begin later this year and that the car will be made available to customer teams. No drivers have been announced yet. "The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the Mini brand," says BMW AG board member Ian Robertson. "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."

Mini returns to world rallying - Cars | thevine.com.au

NOS Power · 30th July 2010, 09:32

This is simply awesome news. The Iconic Mini (obviously in a new form) will a treat to watch considering that it will be the smallest car among all the new S2000 cars.

WRC is getting so many manufacturers coming into or back into it.

The present list.

Ford
Fiat
Skoda
Peugeot
VW
MG
Opel
Toyota
Proton, and now
Mini

Also Hyundai is running a CRDi i30 in the Australian championships (don't know whether it will be eligible for S2000 though).

2theMax · 30th July 2010, 11:59

That's good news, any idea why the Mini is called a Crossover ???. the Mini is a great handler and will be a treat to watch.

30th July 2010, 07:02	#1
madan80 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,360 Thanked: 80 Times View My Garage	Mini Returns to WRC Iconic British brand back in WRC to take on Sebastian Loeb and the mighty Citroen. The new Mini is aiming to emulate the famous motorsport feats of the original after owner BMW confirmed its iconic British brand would re-enter the World Rally Championship. BMW's announcement to enter a WRC version of its new all-wheel-drive Countryman soft-roader in selected rounds next year follows months of speculation. The Mini Countryman WRC car will then contest full seasons from 2012 onwards, including a return to Monte Carlo - the venue for a hat-trick of wins in the 1960s for the first Mini. Mini's campaign will be run by British engineering specialists Prodrive, a company that is a part owner locally of Ford Performance Vehicles and has a proven WRC record with the Subaru Impreza. The Countryman WRC will be based closely on the production car to ensure it complies with the new Super2000 regulations introduced by governing body FIA. The all-wheel-drive Mini will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine produced by BMW Motorsport but related to the unit used in the road-going Minis. BMW says testing of the new Mini WRC will begin later this year and that the car will be made available to customer teams. No drivers have been announced yet. "The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the Mini brand," says BMW AG board member Ian Robertson. "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." Mini returns to world rallying - Cars \| thevine.com.au
	() Thanks

30th July 2010, 09:32	#2
NOS Power BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kolkata Posts: 404 Thanked: 79 Times View My Garage	This is simply awesome news. The Iconic Mini (obviously in a new form) will a treat to watch considering that it will be the smallest car among all the new S2000 cars. WRC is getting so many manufacturers coming into or back into it. The present list. Ford Fiat Skoda Peugeot VW MG Opel Toyota Proton, and now Mini Also Hyundai is running a CRDi i30 in the Australian championships (don't know whether it will be eligible for S2000 though).
	() Thanks

30th July 2010, 11:59	#3
2theMax BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 337 Thanked: Once	That's good news, any idea why the Mini is called a Crossover ???. the Mini is a great handler and will be a treat to watch.
	() Thanks