It’s Official: MINI is Going Rally Racing in the WRC

(Updated) It’s official, MINI is making a comeback on the international rally circuit. Starting in 2011, MINI will compete in selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and will go on to contest the entire season from 2012 onwards. Sources are telling us that MINI has made a 3-4 year commitment (to start) with the program. This are the first official steps back into the highest levels of rally racing since MINI won the Monte Carlo 1,000 Lakes Rally and Acropolis Rally in 1967.
But what about the established players in the WRC? Does MINI even have a chance? The short answer is more of a chance than you’d think. There are two big things in MINI’s favor. First are the WRC regulations that will effectively level the playing field and introduce a new engine configuration (more on that in a minute). The second is the fact that the Countryman WRC is being built by Prodrive, the most successful rally outfit of the past 20 years. You can read more about Prodrive here in our recent feature on the company: “Why the Prodrive WRC MINI Countryman is Important”
As expected the car that will be competing is the MINI Countryman WRC and as we’ve reported it is being developed by Prodrive. The race car (design in close cooperation with MINI) will be heavily based on the production Countryman. But here’s where it gets even more interesting. At the 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 Automobile Federation (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 over previous WRC regulations. The result is a significant 25 per cent reduction in overall costs. The first test drive for the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010.
That last bit shouldn’t go unnoticed. We expect several privateer teams to invest into the MINI Countryman WRC and run the cars alongside MINI.
Drivers linked to the car are rumored to be Norwegian rally protege Mads Ostberg and rally legend Marcus Gronholm.
One final thing. If you like the look of this car stay tuned. Rumors persist that MINI will build a special edition JCW Countryman WRC with similar looks and surprising performance.
Official Press Release: This decision sees MINI continue its success story in the world of rallying. In the 1960s, the MINI Cooper S caused a sensation with victories at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. The company also tasted success on many occasions in the European Rally Championship. Having already demonstrated the sporty character of its models in many countries in the MINI CHALLENGE, the brand is now taking its presence in motorsport to a new level with the commitment to the WRC.
Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: “I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.â€
“This is a very exciting new motorsport programme,†said Prodrive Chairman, David Richards. “During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally. I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.â€
Prodrive has been working on developing the MINI Countryman WRC since early 2009. The company was formed in 1984 by Richards, who won the World Rally Championship as co-driver to Ari Vatanen (FI) three years earlier. Based in Banbury (GB), Prodrive has developed into a leading independent company in the motorsport and automobile sector under Richards’ guidance, and today employs over 500 staff. Prodrive’s many successes currently include six overall victories in the World Rally Championship, five titles in the British Touring Car Championship and three class victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours (FR).
BMW was present when the World Rally Championship made its debut back in 1973. Achim Warmbold (DE) and Jean Todt (FR) tasted victory in their BMW 2002 at the Alpenfahrt Rally in Austria. However, MINI’s tradition in this discipline stretches back even further: Pat Moss (GB) clinched the first victory with the MINI 850 at the 1959 Mini Miglia National Rally. MINI ultimately enjoyed its finest hours at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967: the MINI Cooper S celebrated three overall victories at the most iconic rallying event in the world. Paddy Hopkirk (IR, 1964), Timo Mäkinen (FI, 1965) and Rauno Aaltonen (FI, 1967) joined the list of winners at this prestigious event. In 1965, “Rally Professor†Aaltonen also won the European Rally Championship. Tony Ambrose (GB) and Mäkinen finished second and third to round off an excellent overall result for the MINI Cooper S. In addition, MINI drivers also enjoyed many individual wins at renowned rallies throughout Europe. The last BMW World Rally Championship victory was achieved in 1987 in Corsica by Bernard Béguin (FR) driving a BMW M3 which was built and run by Prodrive.
From 2011, over 40 years down the line, the MINI Countryman WRC will be charged with adding further chapters to this success story. It bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. The brand’s first model to feature four doors and a wide-opening tailgate, it offers more space – which can be used in a wide variety of ways – to go with its raised seating position and optimised ride comfort. Plus, the “go-kart†feeling for which MINI is a byword has been preserved and takes on a new dimension with the optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The MINI Countryman expresses the defining virtues of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and the scope for customisation – and does so in an absorbingly individual way.
The next step down from the racing version is the MINI Cooper S Countryman. With its twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection now complemented by fully variable valve management, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the range-topping model offers by far the best balance between output and fuel consumption in its displacement class. The engine generates an impressive 135 kW/184 bhp and allows the MINI Cooper S Countryman to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. Furthermore, the MINIMALISM concept sees wide-ranging technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components – fitted as standard and in model-specific combinations.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman can be ordered as an option with MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. Here, an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. The result is a new, traction-led expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.
55 Comments
<p>amazing. whoever can’t appreciate that is off their rocker…</p>
<p>ProDrive WRC edition body kit!</p>
<p>Awesome! That sketch, the commitment, I can’t wait to see MINI doing battle on the WRC!!</p>
<p>Marcus Grönholm and Mads Ostberg I like it. Now I will have to decide who to root for. The MINI team or Petter Solberg. Either way I hope that all kick some Ford and Citroen butt.</p>
<p>Happy Motoring,
Jack</p>
<p>The Prodrive body kit, along with the actual WRC-spec powertrain, would be something special to see on the streets. Sort of like a MINI Countryman Evolution….</p>
<p>BMW, are you listening?</p>
<p>Can anyone speculate as to the purpose of the scoop on the roof?</p>
<p>This is such exciting news! If the car is competitive and anything like that bad-a$$ sketch, it’s going to turn a lot of heads. Can’t wait to see it in action.</p>
<p>Hot dog! Best of luck to them! Will be fun to watch.
They should bring a car to Rallye Barbados for testing, etc….. not to mention an outstanding week of fun and parties!</p>
<p>Should be a blast to see another Prodrive entry into the WRC. Should be interesting to see how they do. Still expecting Ford and Citroen to own 2011 and 2012 but more competition is always a good thing.</p>
<p>@Doug Beavers
The scoop on the roof is mainly for ventilation for the driver/co-driver. A/C weighs too much.</p>
<p>@ Doug – it’s to let air into the cabin, not anything to do with engine / aero.</p>
<p>is there any word on who the drivers for mini will be? open applications perhaps…? ;)</p>
<p>Wonder how much Prodrive are charging for one of these… I really hope the finished product looks exactly like that sketch!</p>
<p>YYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>Are they really going to keep 4 doors? Is there a car in WRC with 4 doors? Why not jut pay the frenchman oodles of money to drive this thing… I think MG is finished.</p>
<p>Doug – you will see a similar roof scoop on other WRC cars. Best place to keep it out of the dust. Most of the time…</p>
<p>Dude – subaru rallied the Imprezza 4dr after the two door coupe body style was retired. They are using the 4dr hatchback now.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t get to excited. Remmember Suzuki’s failed attempt to join the WRC. Granted the new rules will help facilitate a quicker adaptation, but it is still a very tall hill to climb. And with the foggy economic future I hope BMW is not looking for an immediate return on it’s investment.</p>
<p>But, I really hope they can make a tangible showing.</p>
<p>I can see the body kits being made by BMW/MINI suppliers as we speak.</p>
<p>THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!!!</p>
<p>I can’t wait! I am so proud of MINI for recognizing the opportunities available when participating in a recognized global rally championship! :D</p>
<p>The roof scoop is for the coffee cooler, if your coffee is too hot, flip the switch and ambient air comes up from below the poorly placed cup holders. On a serious note, that’s a very nice rendition. I hope they do very well and some of that technology trickles down to a new line of high performance parts. Hopefully, this foray shows Mini how soft they been, in design, in performance, in trimline, etc….Racing does fantastic things to the overall brand.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I wouldn’t get to excited. Remmember Suzuki’s failed attempt to join the WRC. Granted the new rules will help facilitate a quicker adaptation, but it is still a very tall hill to climb. And with the foggy economic future I hope BMW is not looking for an immediate return on it’s investment.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>From what I wrote above: There are two big things in MINI’s favor. First are the WRC regulations that will effectively level the playing field and introduce a new engine configuration. The second is the fact that the Countryman WRC is being built by Prodrive, the most successful rally outfit of the past 20 years. You can read more about Prodrive here in our recent feature on the company: “<a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2010/06/16/opinion-why-the-prodrive-wrc-mini-countryman-is-important/" rel="nofollow">Why the Prodrive WRC MINI Countryman is Important</a>“</p>
<p>They’re doing it right too–they’re testing the waters before taking a headlong plunge in 2012. This gives them plenty of time to sort everything out, and given that new regulations are coming into effect, they’re really not starting that far behind everyone to begin with. If BMW is going to do this, the time will never be better…</p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind–this is not only good for BMW/MINI, but it’s also good for the FIA/WRC; it’s really a win/win, and if BMW is really serious about this, they’ll have every opportunity to succeed.</p>
<p>Gabe, they also were in charge of the new Subaru that was a complete failure and lead to Subaru stepping out of WRC. Not everything they touch turns to gold.</p>
<p>And the reg’s they have adopted were in force in other racing catagories…..SS1600. Most of the manufacturers have a lot of experience with these reg’s. I just hope they don’t end up like Suzuki did.</p>
<p>Seems the Canyon would be a better choice.</p>
<p>Is this going to be a development of the Prince engine?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Is this going to be a development of the Prince engine?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It will be developed from the general specs of the current Prince engine (displacement etc) but likely will be very customized.</p>
<p>I know this is kind of a silly thought but…</p>
<p>The original rallying Minis were a great David and Goliath story… this isn’t now is it. Those were little cars kicking butt on large rallying monsters with massive horsepower, suspension etc. These new WRC cars have no visual linkage to any Classic Mini and really have little visual linkage to the present MINI.</p>
<p>I’m happy MINI is back in rallying but really, for me, it’s kind of a double edged sword and a bit of a let down, vehicle wise.</p>
<p>My thoughts.</p>
<p>No doubt that the car will be massively different than the standard car. This is the case with all WRC cars. Depending on how the car does I could see BMW plying this into production model though will likely me more of a standard JCW than the WRC car.</p>
<p>MINI is making a comeback? Really!? The BMW MINI brand is making a debut. Are we really trying to say that the BMW MINI Countryman is somehow connected to the BMC Morris Mini Cooper S that won the Monte in 1964? Cuz it aint people.</p>
<p>i have no desire to buy a countryman, BUT, slap a set of rally lights, fender flares and race wheels on just about any car and i’m hooked. should be fun to watch.</p>
<p>oh stop it people. why does EVERYTHING that BMW/MINI come up has to have a connection to 1964 and rallying???</p>
<p>this entire thing is getting really tiring.
is any other automaker worry so much about the past (40 years ago no less) as MINI???</p>
<p>“The Prodrive body kit, along with the actual WRC-spec powertrain, would be something special to see on the streets. Sort of like a MINI Countryman Evolution….</p>
<p>BMW, are you listening?”</p>
<p>The overall look of the WRC conforms to a High Performance Countryman we are actually developing – dubbed internally as the MINI “Porsche Cayenne” this model will feature flared wheelarches and extra aerodynamics to enhance the appearance away from the standard Countryman , JCW and additional aerodynamic package, many feel such a car would be very popular with enthusiasts who are looking to downsize and we are looking at maybe a Paris preview but we have to decide within the next few weeks if we are going to show such a car.</p>
<p>Should the Countryman be a success then it might be possible to inherit the Canyon as a future WRC car, Canyon is still being worked on but although the drivetrain, interior etc is from the countryman.
The exterior will share nothing with the Countryman although it will enhance countryman design elements in order to forge a bloodline between the two cars, but Canyon is a stand alone Concept, we hope to show it as a Concept in the not-so-distant future.</p>
<p>Yes, I really do think I could find a place for that in my driveway… ;)</p>
<p>Awesome, just awesome… all of this news! That sketch is motorsports styling poetry! :)</p>
<p>As for a street edition, glad to hear what you are saying Herr26. The current WRX STI and EVO X are fearsome machines in so many ways, but a MINI street interpretation of a rally machine would go them one better and would be much more desirable to the euro-car enthusiast crowd (that’s many of us here, I would suspect).</p>
<p>But it goes without saying that the performance needs to be there… not just the power (which should be easy to get out of the turbo motor with more boost) but the drivetrain being tuned similar to the Subie/Mitsu “big boys”… adjustable / locking centre diff, a very serious drop in ride height with long-travel suspension… put that kind of package together and there will be SERIOUS street cred accruing to MINI.</p>
<p>Aurel, I half agree with you, half don’t. Here’s where I don’t: If you look at the MINI in the picture, the BMW/MINI group THEMSELVES are harking back to 1964–do you think that number 37 is on that car by chance? Or that the car is red and white is merely coincidence? Not to mention the Rally style lights…</p>
<p>On the other hand, things evolve. Discounting it out of hand because it’s not exactly like what went down in 1964 is, well, kind of a “stick in the mud” attitude.</p>
<p>Hats off to MINI for embracing the MINI heritage on a modern platform!!!</p>
<blockquote>is any other automaker worry so much about the past (40 years ago no less) as MINI???</blockquote>
<p>Jeep…</p>
<p>@DUDE I think what you state is partially true. Granted, I agree there is not the completely different paradigm that existed in the “David and Goliath” days; nonetheless, there are just enough design aspects based on what we’ve seen to keep the car superficially linked to the production model. Most importantly, I think the name “MINI” (whether it’s earned or not) will always bring with it a certain, automatic association as being an underdog — i.e., people will still think of MINI as “that little car” taking on the major labels — even if it doesn’t quite compare to the legacy example.</p>
<p>I just hope we see MINI — in whatever final form — kicking butt in WRC, or at least an occasional place or show.</p>
<p>Chris, I totally agree with you and love what they have done here.</p>
<p>I was speaking more to the people that have to have EVERYTHING in line with the past.</p>
<p>Damn, well then I guess we don’t disagree at all…</p>
<p>Kind of takes the fun out of it.. :)</p>
<p>Completely different feel from the class Mini rallying and the R60. The Mini was playing David vs Goliath, Prodrive will develop a much more equal car compared to the others that are competing.</p>
<p>AWD, similar size and weight to each other, its missing the same feeling that I got from watching videos of the Mini racing. Still should be fun to watch but this is a closely linked to Mini rallying as the R60 is to the brand. Its all a new feeling and direction.</p>
<p>Should be fun Herr26 thanks fo the info. Lets just hope the suspension is left as a joke like it is in the current jcw. Leave me hopeful that MINI has finally realizes the errors they have made with jcw, namely looking just like the stock car.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure WRC regs don’t allow “David” anymore… not long enough. Can’t wait to see the final product. Is WRC comming back to Speed, anyone know?</p>
<p>oh my lord, that render is $exy ! I really hope they bring it out in that form and shape !</p>
<p>I’d been crying about an AWD JCW hatch ever since I found out the Countryman was actually going into production. Now that Herr26 is taking about Project “Cayenne” I may just stay on the sidelines a bit longer to see what that shapes up to be. I’ve always loved the dimensions of the R53/R56 but if this shapes up to be a true EVO/STi competitor, well, consider me interested.</p>
<p>Still would love to see the eventual jcw version of this car line up against Super Fast Mini’s vtec awd classic.</p>
<p><a href="http://speedhunters.com/archive/2009/07/27/car-spotlight-gt-gt-awd-mini.aspx" rel="nofollow ugc">http://speedhunters.com/archive/2009/07/27/car-spotlight-gt-gt-awd-mini.aspx</a></p>
<p>WRC rally cars have to be within certain specifications – that is why the Countryman fits… 4 metres long, turbo, etc etc. The Canyon would have to be the same specs without the back doors.
Of course competitiors Ford Focus, Citroen, Skoda are probably not available in USA.</p>
<p>BEST!</p>
<p>Having grown up glued to my TV for rally report and even had the rally cars drive past my house and use the local gas stationback in the day, I am thrilled to finally see MINI make the leap back into the WRC.</p>
<p>I am confident it will compete well given the new guidelines.</p>
<p>I cant wait to see the MINI WRC version.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsYrhNMZa6U" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsYrhNMZa6U</a></p>
<p>I love how the roof rails on this WRC Countryman connect to the spoiler – HOT :)</p>
<p>Once again, I <3 Herr26!! I am excited to know that there is a performance-oriented Countryman in the works. Thanks MINI AG for listening to us (most of the time) on MF!</p>
<p>@ Wetworth WRC is shown on HD Theater which is one of the Discovery Channel Networks. A really great car enthusiast channel showing also Mecum and R+M Auctions. They also show the program from the U.K. where the guy goes out and buys old cars and then tries to fix them up and make a profit on them while spending very little to make it much nicer than when he originally bought it. He keeps himself to a budget.</p>
<p>Aurel…. If your little comment was directed at me… Here’s what I think… I wasn’t whining just telling my view. I am glad MINI is back in WRC but what loved about the original cars was the very fact that they were such underdogs. Not true anymore now is it. But whining or not this is the “comment” section.</p>
<p>The whole underdog thing back in 1964 was VERY cool, and it really helped put the original mini in perspective. The old club races in England in the 60’s and 70’s were sort of the same way–you’d have heavy, american monster muscle cars competing against lower HP light Mini’s–made for some interesting racing; there is a nice episode of “Top Gear” about it.</p>
<p>But those days are gone, and it’s not BMW/MINI’s fault–it’s just the way racing is regulated–the technology in the cars is so much more sophisticated, it pretty much requires tighter reins with regard to rules than in the past, especially if you want to keep it within a semblance of being affordable. The classes HAVE to be more strictly defined.</p>
<p>So while the whole “underdog” thing really was special, it’s gone forever. It is missed, but on the other hand, it doesn’t preclude the excitement many of us have for MINI getting involved in the WRC.</p>
<p>Go MINI! (OooooO)</p>
<p>Yes!!</p>
<p>Go MINI!</p>
<p>Now that’s sweet looking.
If they make a road going version exactly like that I WANT IT!</p>