The MINI Countryman WRC is MINI’s next attempt at rally racing. Read the complete story.
MINI will make what they hope to be a triumphant return in international rally racing starting next year. In the next World Rally Championship, MINI will be competing against Ford, Citroen, and Subaru.
The company will enter the MINI Countryman WRC currently being developed and raced throughout the 2012 season. According to the FIA Super2000 regulations, the four-wheel-drive rally vehicle will be equipped with a BMW Motorsport four cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged motor.
In a press release, Ian Robertson, BMW’s sales and marketing board member, stated that MINI will be represented at one of the most popular stages of international motorsport. MINI customers have shown great interest to motorsport since the beginning.”
“I’m certain we will add some chapters to our success story of rallying.
The car will also feature in many other racing series. BMW will make the car available for customer teams. The vehicle’s road testing will start in the fall. Development began in early 2009.