On page 17 of the February Motor Trend there is information on A private team that wants to run the new Mini Countryman in the World Rally Championship series. It would not be a BMW factory sponsered team but will have Factory Support. So far only "Ford & Citroen" are factory teams. It would be nice to see a Mini run in this event.
Ronnie948

 

I'd like to see them in it, but this isn't the 60's, they'd have some stiff competition in WRC!

 

Prodrive(famous for running Subaru's WRC program) has already developed parts for Mini R60 WRC car for almost a year now (secretely), but the project was delayed due to late countryman launch.

 

They would have to work for a decent finishing spot. It would be good to see the Mini compete though. I'll love it if the Mini is competitive with the Ford & Citroin cars that now dominate this event. Who knows? They may have a slight chance.

 

Regulation is changing for 2011 and 2012. By 2012 the rule will favor 1.6L Turbo car with small dimension. Ford already switched this year's car to Fiesta to get an early start, so Mini should be in a good position by 2012. Citroen may not stay in WRC beyond 2012, but if they do (or Peugeot for that matter), Mini and its competitor will have the same Prince engine :D.

 

This would make me very happy. Hopefully it goes through.... Also, hopefully they can compete...

 

 

didn't Motor trend also they would able to throw the 4.0l m3 engine into it (although that wouldn't qualify for the rules :P)