Mini is gearing up to head back to Dakar. The company campaigned five ALL4 racecars last year, and took the overall victory with driver Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret. Second place also fell to Mini, and the remaining three cars soaked up spots in the top ten for an impressive finish. This year, Mini is headed back with specially-prepared Countryman models in competition as Peterhansel attempts to defend his crown from a new crop of rivals. The team will also make use of Countryman service vehicles, all fitted with an off-road package and a spate of Mini accessories to help them overcome the 5,000 miles of brutal terrain through Peru.

Those include a four-piece body kit made of durable plastic to help protect the body from dings and chips, and the beefy fender flares call to mind the exaggerated arches on the competition vehicles.

Speaking of the competitors, Peterhansel piloted his ALL4 race car to gold in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies this year in preparation for Dakar. We'll keep an eye on his progress once the race gets started in January.

Photo gallery and full press release at Autoblog...