(continued from above)
The MINI WRC, powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine,
recently received a baptism of fire, acquitting itself well during initial
testing at Prodrive's rally track. The company commenced development of the car
in 2009, and a concept of the MINI WRC will be displayed in Paris. "The Paris
Motor Show is the perfect stage, on which to launch our MINI WRC," says Ian
Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales
and Marketing. "The response to our announcement that MINI will return to the
world of rallying next year was very positive. 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."
The 2011 World Rally Championship will see the
new MINI WRC contesting in six of 13 scheduled rounds, with MINI competing in
the full 2012 season. In addition, Prodrive plans to make available customer
versions to independent teams for use in the championship.
Rallying is
hardly unchartered territory for MINI. In the past this popular motor sporting
genre decisively shaped the image of the brand. The MINI Cooper S became a true
legend through its numerous victories on Rally Monte Carlo. The European Rally
Championship, too, saw MINI notch up serial successes. "MINI can look back on a
successful tradition in rallying," says Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice
President Brand Management MINI. "The interest in motorsport among the present
generation of MINI customers is massive. The WRC provides an excellent
communications platform for the MINI Countryman, upon which the MINI WRC is
based."
Prodrive, an experienced motorsport operation, was chosen as the
partner in the quest to continue MINI's success story. The company, founded by
David Richards, is viewed as one of the most respected and successful in
rallying. "This project is a truly passionate opportunity," believes Richards.
"MINI is a cult brand which left a lasting impression during its previous
motorsport 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, however our target is firmly set
on winning the World Championship title again with MINI."
MINI WRC: Review (2/2)
