Prodrive insists WRC return is still alive

18th March 2010

By Richard Rodgers

Prodrive’s bid to return to the World Rally Championship in 2011 remains on course, despite plans for a formal announcement being put on hold.

That’s according to Richard Taylor, who heads up Prodrive’s commercial operations.

He said: “It’s still our objective to be back in the world championship in 2011 and we’re working towards that. We’re not in a position to make an announcement at this time but everything is progressing well and we’re confident our long-term objectives will be achieved.”

Company chief David Richards had planned to launch the project, which is mooted to be in association with car firm Mini, either at the end of January or in early February with visuals of the 2011 challenger being displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.

But there was no mention of any WRC involvement by the BMW-owned company in Switzerland and rumours have indicated that Mini might now only give the project its formal blessing rather contribute any significant funding.