Prodrive Wants British Driver in MINI Rally Car

Britain’s Autocar is reporting that Prodrive boss David Richards would ideally like a British driver behind the wheel of the Countryman WRC:

>”The driver choice will be down to Mini and ourselves,” said Richards. “Mini doesn’t really seem to have a preference on driver choice or where they’re from, but I’ve always had a patriotic streak in me and it’s well documented that Prodrive has had success with British drivers before. It’d certainly have appeal if we were to take a third British driver to a world title, and in a British car.”

Reigning Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Kris Meeke and Skoda UK IRC driver Guy Wilks seem to be favorites with Meeke being the front runner given his highly rated skill.

Almost as interesting Richards goes on to give a glimpse as to the size and scope of MINI’s WRC effort:

“When you’ve got a firm that’s as steeped in the World Rally Championship as we (Prodrive) are, and then you end up spending two years away, it does feel like a strange period,” he said. “But to come back with a brand like Mini is terrific. This isn’t some lame, half-hearted effort; it’s an absolutely full-blooded campaign.”