Rally Australia proving worthwhile for Mini

10th September 2011

By Gus Burrows

The World Rally Championship is heading towards another strong era as the number of manufacturers begins to build with the inclusion of Mini in this year’s series and Volkswagen confirmed for the future.

Rally Australia on the Coffs Coast has so far produced a professionally structured event that would seem fit for inclusion on future WRC calendars. On a brand new event like this it’s vital for teams to pocket as much experience of the stages as possible for years to come.

For the newly formed Mini WRC Team the presence of the Prodrive-supported Brazil World Rally Team in Australia is vital both in terms of car development and information gathering. Team principal Paul Howarth explained the importance of the trip to Australia.

“Our factory squad is competing on limited events this year so for us to come to Australia with Daniel [Oliveira] is a huge plus for all Mini WRC teams,” said Howarth.

“It’s always tough for both driver and team heading into a brand new event but now if Rally Australia revisits the Coffs Coast region we will be prepared and have a decent grasp on what to expect.

“This event has also allowed us to test a few things on the Mini WRC and Daniel is doing a great job in gaining as much mileage as possible. This helps his own development as a driver as well as providing the team back at Prodrive with vital data from a mixture of conditions.”

Despite dropping out of contention for victory following their crashes on day one, Citroen factory drivers Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier know how vital it is that they both complete as many competitive kilometres as possible to provide the team with the maximum possible data.

If the Australian event does find its way back to the shores of the Coffs Coast all 12 WRC crews competing this week will be able to return with some valuable knowledge of the stages and how inclement weather conditions can turn these Australian roads into a rally on ice.