Mini’s WRC return gets closer

1st February 2010

By Richard Rodgers

The return of Minis to the WRC is believed to be a step closer, with sources talking of a deal being completed within the last 10 days.

David Richards’ Prodrive concern refused to comment on the situation but it is believed that an agreement with Mini’s German owners BMW was concluded, with an announcement to be made next month.

Prodrive managing director Richard Taylor said: “It is still our intention to be in the WRC in 2011.”

Asked whether Prodrive had moved beyond generic work and onto an actual rally car, Taylor added: “It’s not appropriate to comment on that. What I will say is that to be ready for 2011, we need to be starting a testing programme in the third quarter of this year and we are on target for that.”

The first visuals of the Mini WRC are expected to be seen at the Geneva Motorshow in March.