Mini plan WRC return next season

MINI will make a comeback on the international rally circuit. Next year, Mini will compete at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship and will go on to contest the entire season from 2012 onwards for several years, the company said in a statement yesterday. The car charged with this task is the MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed by Prodrive in close cooperation with MINI and is based on the production model. The powerful heart of the racing car is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport.
The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International AutomobileFederation (FIA), which stipulate the use of turbo engines with 1,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies.	The biggest collection of iconic classic cars spanning 60 years will take part in a spectacular weekend of high octane motor racing as Castle Combe circuit celebrates its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary meeting on July 31 and August 1. Details: Saturday qualifying from 08.40, racing from 13.15. Sunday qualifying from 08.40, racing from 11.15. Weekend tickets available in advance adults £20, OAPs £10, paddock transfer free. Admission on the day Saturday adults £8, OAP’s £4, Sunday adults £15, OAPs £7.50, Under-16 free.
The first test drive for the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010. Mini entered competition in 1959 and went on to enjoy international successes over the next two decades.

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