What is it?
It's been a while coming, but MINI has finally confirmed its intention to compete in the 2011 World Rally championship by unveiling the Countryman-based MINI WRC. We're just hoping the spoiler goes on the options list for the road version.
Why's it here?
We've just answered that above, so let's talk about the car here. It's been developed with Prodrive and has a 1.6-litre four-pot turbo engine of unspecified output. Work started in 2009 and it'll compete in six of 2011's 13 scheduled races, before competing in the full WRC contest in 2012. MINI will build around 100 for use by private teams, too.
Show stopper or floor filler?
It's looking good, that's for sure, and if MINI makes good on its intention to win the WRC title in the 2012 season, it'll raise the controversial Countryman's profile markedly. Irishman Kris Meeke has left Peugeot to join the MINI team.
Full Paris Motor Show report
Mark Nichol - 1 Oct 2010