The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33536
introduce the MINI John Cooper Works WRC to the world, without celebrating the early Mini’s rallying prowess first and the esteemed Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen, both of whom achieved significant victories in the Rally Monte Carlos of the 1960s, were on hand to highlight the sporting heritage. Prior to entertaining the assembled journalists with several anecdotes, Hopkirk burst onto the podium, behind the wheel of a classic MINI Cooper S. The old car was reversed neatly out of the way, prior to Chris Meeke piloting the MINI John Cooper Works WRC to its position in the center of the stage. Speaking to the press, Meeke admitted that he was excited but played down any suggestion of rivalry between him and Sordo. “This launch is the next milestone on the long way to our first rally,” admitted Meeke proudly, “and I cannot wait to get the season started. It’s nice for everyone in the team to see the result of their work presented in such a spectacular way. The heritage of MINI in motorsport is fantastic. Now we want to make sure we play our part in adding some more chapters to the success story.” Dani Sordo was just as enthusiastic to start competing and added, “It’s about time we get the ball rolling. The break since my last rally has been long enough, now we want to show how good we are. I am really looking forward to the new challenge and to fight for strong results with the MINI John Cooper Works WRC car.” Despite the drivers’ enthusiasm, the Head of MINI Motorsport, Dirk Hollweg, admitted that the MINI WRC team has to entice new people to MINI, as well as injecting increased vitality and dynamism into the brand. “We not only want to please the loyal fans of MINI, but also aim to address new motorsport enthusiasts. We want to thrill them with fascinating pictures, technical know-how and pure performance. In addition, the special MINI lifestyle is always part of the equation. For us, it’s always about a bit more than just motorsport.” Despite the quiet optimism that was displayed by both MINI and Prodrive at the media launch, it is curious that the team is not competing in the full 2011 season. Ian Robertson elaborated that, as experience is essential in motorsport, the MINI WRC team has to experience the car as much as possible first. Yet, he was emphatic that contesting selected events of the 2011 season is an important strategy. “We want to annoy the opposition as soon as possible,” he stated, “and, while you can plan your own performance in motorsport, grabbing a title is a different proposition. All that you can do is work as hard as possible to move closer to your goal and our goal is to win the World Championship.” It was clear that the assembled members of the press were enthusiastic about MINI’s chances in the WRC and, once the official press conference was over, the journalist amassed outside, to witness a MINI John Cooper Works WRC test car lighting up all four tyres in a fenced-off area of Plant Oxford’s car park. In despite of this slightly slapdash display of tomfoolery, it did prove that both Meeke and Sordo were utterly comfortable with their cars. The Rally D’Italia Sardegna At the time of writing, the MINI WRC Team was poised to embark in the Sardinian round of the WRC. Starting and finishing at the harbor in the coastal town of Olbia, the cars would compete through the hilly scenery enduring high temperatures. Prior to the event, Dani Sordo admitted that he could describe the conditions as treacherous, “The route is really narrow in some places and the road surfaces change after every car, as sand and debris often make the ground slippery.” Yet, he also admitted that the maiden rally could be highly revealing, “Everyone on the team wants everything to be perfectly prepared, in order to get off to a flying start. However, only at the end of the rally will we know just how good the preparation has been.” It is clear that MINI and Prodrive are not underestimating either the conditions or the competition. With Ford and Citroën showing strong teams for this season, the entire MINI community will be cheering on the WRC Team in its comeback to the World Rally Arena. 2QH RI 3URGULYH·V ODWHVW GHYHORSPHQWV LV WKH :5& DHURG\QDPLFV NLW ZKLFK LQFOXGHV WKH KXJH UHDU ZLQJ WR FUHDWH WKH QHFHVVDU\ GRZQ IRUFH The kit will NOT be included on the Super 2000 MINI packages that 3URGULYH ZLOO VHOO WR SULYDWH FRPSHWLWRUV Issue 32 MC2 Magazine 23 Carlos Del Barrio Paul Nagle Kris Meeke Dani Sordo The world’s press descended on Plant Oxford on the 11th April, to FHOHEUDWH WKH 0,1,·V UDOO\LQJ FRPHEDFN WR WKH :5&