Prodrive to Test WRC Countryman Through 2010
Autosport is reporting that the Prodrive MINI team will be testing the new WRC Countryman roughly one week a month for the remainder of the year gearing up for a mid-2011 debut for the car. Here’s an excerpt:
>The car ran for the first time in competitive trim in Portugal last week. The team has now returned to Banbury where the data from the test is being analysed before the next stage of development.
>”We’re going to test the car through the whole range of conditions, we’re not going to be going into using X or Y millimeter roll bars or X or Y front springs – it’s not that detailed yet.”
Also of interest to WRC fans is the news that Marcus Gronholm is scheduled to tell Prodrive whether he has accepted their offer of a contract to drive the car next season. Again here’s an excerpt:
>Should the Finn sign up, he is likely to begin test work with the Mini straight away. Otherwise, Markko Martin is a likely candidate for the development programme, the Estonian worked with the team, improving the Subaru Impreza WRC in the Japanese manufacturer’s final season in the sport in 2008.
You can see the car in action in our Countryman WRC section.
Source: Autosport
<p>This is very exciting. I cannot wait to see this car race against the Fords and Citroëns, in full 1080p HD.</p>
<p>This from AutoSport…</p>
<p>“Gronholm Mini decision imminent</p>
<p>By David Evans Friday, September 24th 2010, 11:23 GMT</p>
<p>Marcus Gronholm’s decision on whether to return to the World Rally Championship with Mini next year is immiment, revealed this week’s AUTOSPORT magazine.</p>
<p>The double world champion is one of several drivers to have tested the Mini Countryman WRC in Portugal last week.</p>
<p>Gronholm says he can see potential in the project and now has to decide on a comeback.</p>
<p>“I just don’t know what to do,” he said. “It’s the big, big question. I have to decide now.</p>
<p>“The car is good. It felt positive at the first test.”</p>
<p>Gronholm has been offered several options by Prodrive, from a full-time drive to a development role, and says money is not an issue in the deal.</p>
<p>“If I come back, it’s not for the money. It’s for my passion for the sport and to be involved in a new and exciting project.”</p>
<p>Markko Martin and Ott Tanak also drove the Mini in Portugal last week, as did Kris Meeke, who has already agreed to join Prodrive next year.”</p>
<p>Interesting.</p>
<p>YESSS Thank you. This is exactly what I have been waiting for! I think the only thing that would keep them from doing it is if they think it isnt going to win. MINI will release it if it can win and with Prodrive that is a virtual certainty!</p>
<p>When I heard “it isnt about the money” that let me know it is about the winning and that they are serious!</p>
<p>btw, anyone guess what that scoop is on the forward roof?</p>
<p>and Jon, I cannot wait to see this go against the STI’s and the Evo’s.</p>
<p>most contemporary rally cars have that scoop on the roof – for fresh air in the cabin, a source out of the dust cloud. Check photos of other cars and you will see it.</p>
<p>Well judging by the youtube video clip and the car in action it is exciting stuff. Can’t wait to see the car in livery colors.</p>