MINI has confirmed that a Prodrive Built MINI Countryman will compete inb part of the 2011 WRC series in preparation for a full year of WRC Series competition in 2012. Here is an excerpt from MINI's press release:
The powerful 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. 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.
[Source: via
AutoGuide.com]
