Countryman WRC due to run this week

20th August 2010

By Giles Wade

MINI’s Countryman World Rally Car is due to turn a wheel for the first time this week when it runs at Prodrive’s test track near Warwick, UK.

According to Autosport magazine, Prodrive, which is masterminding MINI’s return to world rallying, has taken delivery of its first 1.6-litre turbo engine from BMW Motorsport in Germany.

Following some initial dyno work, the car will be put through a systems check and installation running at Prodrive’s private test facility with the first meaningful testing taking place next month.

Meanwhile, Prodrive boss David Richards said the Countryman WRC could appear on selected British championship events next season before it makes its WRC debut later in the year.

He told Autosport magazine: “In the old days when we were starting competing [with Subaru] we had Colin [McRae] competing in the British Rally Championship to try and prove the car and I see no reason why we wouldn’t be out on a few events in Britain during the test programme.”

BRC regulations don’t permit the use of World Rally Cars so it is likely the Countryman would have to run as a course opening car.