This decision sees MINI continue its success story in the world of rallying. In the 1960s, the MINI Cooper S caused a sensation with victories at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. The company also tasted success on many occasions in the European Rally Championship. Having already demonstrated the sporty character of its models in many countries in the MINI CHALLENGE, the brand is now taking its presence in motorsport to a new level with the commitment to the WRC.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: “I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.”

“This is a very exciting new motorsport programme,” said Prodrive Chairman, David Richards. “During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally. I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.”

MINI Countryman WRC MINI set to join World Rally Championship from 2011

Prodrive has been working on developing the MINI Countryman WRC since early 2009. The company was formed in 1984 by Richards, who won the World Rally Championship as co-driver to Ari Vatanen (FI) three years earlier. Based in Banbury (GB), Prodrive has developed into a leading independent company in the motorsport and automobile sector under Richards’ guidance, and today employs over 500 staff. Prodrive’s many successes currently include six overall victories in the World Rally Championship, five titles in the British Touring Car Championship and three class victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours (FR).

BMW was present when the World Rally Championship made its debut back in 1973. Achim Warmbold (DE) and Jean Todt (FR) tasted victory in their BMW 2002 at the Alpenfahrt Rally in Austria. However, MINI’s tradition in this discipline stretches back even further: Pat Moss (GB) clinched the first victory with the MINI 850 at the 1959 Mini Miglia National Rally. MINI ultimately enjoyed its finest hours at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967: the MINI Cooper S celebrated three overall victories at the most iconic rallying event in the world. Paddy Hopkirk (IR, 1964), Timo Mäkinen (FI, 1965) and Rauno Aaltonen (FI, 1967) joined the list of winners at this prestigious event. In 1965, “Rally Professor” Aaltonen also won the European Rally Championship. Tony Ambrose (GB) and Mäkinen finished second and third to round off an excellent overall result for the MINI Cooper S. In addition, MINI drivers also enjoyed many individual wins at renowned rallies throughout Europe. The last BMW World Rally Championship victory was achieved in 1987 in Corsica by Bernard Béguin (FR) driving a BMW M3 which was built and run by Prodrive.

From 2011, over 40 years down the line, the MINI Countryman WRC will be charged with adding further chapters to this success story. It bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. The brand’s first model to feature four doors and a wide-opening tailgate, it offers more space – which can be used in a wide variety of ways – to go with its raised seating position and optimised ride comfort. Plus, the “go-kart” feeling for which MINI is a byword has been preserved and takes on a new dimension with the optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The MINI Countryman expresses the defining virtues of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and the scope for customisation – and does so in an absorbingly individual way.

The next step down from the racing version is the MINI Cooper S Countryman. With its twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection now complemented by fully variable valve management, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the range-topping model offers by far the best balance between output and fuel consumption in its displacement class. The engine generates an impressive 135 kW/184 bhp and allows the MINI Cooper S Countryman to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. Furthermore, the MINIMALISM concept sees wide-ranging technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components – fitted as standard and in model-specific combinations.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman can be ordered as an option with MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. Here, an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. The result is a new, traction-led expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Via | RallyBuzz

According to our English cousins, Portugese driver Francisco Carvalho had a bit of a mishap at this weekend’s World Touring Car Championship event at Brands Hatch. Carvalho was competing in the Seat Leon Euro Cup Race when he received a nudge from a fellow racer. Instead of losing a position, Carvalho’s car was sent veering off of the course and into a crash barrier before bouncing end-over-end and vaulting back over the wall. The crash sent a crowd of race marshals fleeing before the car came to a stop, but amazingly enough, no one was injured. Not even Carvalho. Hit the jump to see the devastation for yourself.

Via | AutoBlog

The 29-year-old Belgian driver will be competing at the wheel of a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car and will be nominated for points in the ninth round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

In 2008, Duval joined Ford to complete four WRC rounds with the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team and two further rounds with the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

Duval has contested the German round of the WRC seven times and has finished second on three occasions. His last outing at the Trier-based event was with the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team in 2008 where he finished fourth overall.

François Duval commented:
“It is of great credit to Malcolm [Wilson] and Christian [Loriaux] at M-Sport that I have been given this opportunity to drive for the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team once again. I hope that I will have a good test in the weeks before Germany and that I will be able to get a good result for the team. Germany is a very nice rally and each year I have competed I’ve had very good results so I am confident I will be able to do well again this year.”

Ford Team Principal Malcolm Wilson commented:
“I’m delighted to see François back behind the wheel of a Ford Focus RS WRC again. He will strengthen the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team at a crucial part of the season so we are very much looking forward to welcoming him on board. We really enjoyed working with François in 2008 and I have little doubt that he will continue to impress us when he joins us in Germany next month.”

Photo: M-Sport

Via | RallyBuzz

Via | AutoBlog

While neither Millen or anyone else broke the record in this year’s Race To The Clouds, the resulting footage is still definitely worth a watch. You can watch the entire video after the jump.

Via | AutoBlog

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson reflected:“It’s been a very disappointing rally to be honest and we can’t hide from it. We’ve got work to do and we’ll be trying as hard as ever in Germany. There’s no question we are at a disadvantage when running at altitude compared to Citroen, similar to what we saw in Mexico.

“We won’t be at as bigger a disadvantage in Germany but we’ve got to make sure we can perform everywhere if we’re going to bid to win rallies. That’s our job,” he added.

video uploaded by FordWRC

Via | RallyBuzz

photo: willy weyens – rallyworld

See video below

With Patrick Snijers set to return to the Isle of Man this year for some demonstration runs around the Castletown spectator stage in a Prodrive owned BMW M3, this Barrie Hinchliffe Productions film tells the story of the Belgian’s famous Manx Rally victory in 1988.

There were three drivers in with a shout of winning the 1988 Shell Oils RAC Open Rally Championship heading into the final round on the Isle of Man. Jimmy McRae (Ford Sierra RS Cosworth), Malcolm Wilson (Vauxhall Astra GTE) and Pentti Airikkala (Mitsubishi Starion Turbo) were the championship contenders.

Meanwhile, the ‘88 Manx Rally also saw the leading European Rally Championship drivers contest the event, with Patrick Snijers (BMW M3 E30), Fabrizio Tabaton (Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8v) and Robert Droogmans (Ford Sierra RS Cosworth) all present.

It was Mark Lovell, driving a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, who set the early pace, but he retired with engine failure after only a handful of stages. Pentti Airikkala’s challenge for the championship floundered after he got a pucture and suffered an off on day one, which left him having to claw his way back up the leaderboard for the rest of the event. Malcolm Wilson finished in fifth place with the underpowered Astra, but it wasn’t enough for him to claim the BRC crown. Jimmy McRae though, stayed out of trouble to finish second overall and cruise to a record fifth British title success.

With Droogmans and Tabaton unable to adapt to the bumpy, high speed, narrow and twisty Manx lanes, it was left to Patrick Snijers to star as he went on to dominate the event with great panache. The Belgian’s performance that year still ranks as one of the greatest drives ever seen on the island.

Commenting on Snijers mesmerising drive, during the BBC Grandstand Manx Rally 1988 highlights programme, Steve Rider famously said: “Just watch this for a breathtaking display of forceful driving.”

The video clip also features a young Colin McRae having a a bit of a moment in a Vauxhall Nova.

Via | RallyBuzz

First Bulgarian WRC event ahead for teams
Teams in the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) move into unfamiliar territory when they tackle the asphalt roads of Rally Bulgaria for this weekend’s seventh round of the season from 8 to 11 July.

Rally Bulgaria celebrates its 41st year in 2010, yet is making its debut on this year’s 13-round WRC calendar. The new ‘world rally’ marks the end of the WRC’s six week summer break and is also the first of four upcoming tarmac rallies so several teams have spent time near the Balkan region during the break to prepare for the second half of the season.

Six-time WRC champion Sebastién Loeb currently heads the WRC driver’s standings, with the Citroen Total World Rally Team tarmac ace having established a comfortable 38-point lead in the six rounds to date. Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena have the statistical privilege of having never been beaten on a tarmac surface event since 2004 and are scheduled to start ahead of Citroen Junior Team colleague Sebastién Ogier who’s second on the leader-board.

“It’s true that we’ve always been pretty successful on asphalt,” said the 36-year-old Loeb. “Asphalt is our favourite hunting ground, but we have to tackle this rally in a humble state of mind. We’re going to discover a new route which will certainly have its own specific character. We’ll have to cope with the weather as stages at 2,000 metres above sea level can be upset by storms, and also there’s the choice between the Pirelli P-Zero softs and hards.”

Europe’s 16th largest nation, Bulgaria’s 7.5 million people occupy 110,994 sq km in south-east Europe beside the Black Sea [NB. New Zealand is 268,680 sq km]. The rally headquarters are in the ski resort of Borovets, while the service park is located 25 km to the east in the spa town of Dolna Banya. Following Thursday evening’s ceremonial start in another ski resort, Samokov, Friday’s four special stages feature a double run through 59 km of twisting tarmac south-east of Dolna Banya. Saturday sees a 140 km run through the same area, with Sunday’s stages taking competitors to the north-east of Dolna Banya for a further 94 km of super-twisty asphalt mountain roads before the event wraps up in Borovets at 2pm.

A total of 49 teams have entered with some significant changes: Great Britain’s Chris Patterson joins Petter Solberg to replace co-driver Phil Mills who announced his retirement from the Solberg team just a month ago, and Henning Solberg switches to a Ford Fiesta S2000 having started the season in the Ford Focus RS WRC.

BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team pairing Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, currently third, had success earlier this month when they won the Serbian Rally. The two-day tarmac rally in Serbia uses similar stages to those scheduled in Bulgaria and Hirvonen described the event as “the perfect way to warm-up for the forthcoming asphalt events in the WRC”.

Former Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen and co-driver Kaj Lindstrom are looking for their best placing of the season in Bulgaria. The 30-year-old narrowly missed his first rally win when competing against Citroen team-mate Sebastién Ogier at the recent Rally della Lanterna in Italy.

Rally Bulgaria is also a round of the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) which currently has Dutch driver Kevin Abbring and Germany’s Aaron Burkart sharing the top of the leader-board after two of the six JWRC events. Concerned about his lack of asphalt experience prior to Bulgaria, Abbring has just placed top of the two-wheel-drive class in his Renault Clio R3 in the recent Ypres Rally in Belgium. Alongside Abbring and Burkart in a Suzuki Swift, Belgian Thierry Neuville, in a Citroen C2 S1600, is expected to be a top runner in the ten-strong JWRC class in Bulgaria.

FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers (after 6 of 13 rounds)
1,  S Loeb, 126pts
2,  S Ogier, 88pts
3, M Hirvonen, 76pts
4, J-M Latvala, 72pts
5, P Solberg, 63pts
6, D Sordo, 49pts

Via | RallyBuzz

Citroen

The competitive version of the French model retains the same design as the series version, but has some changes. R3 DS3 received a modified suspensions, performance brake system, roll cage and a revised engine. Thus, the turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is able to produce up to 210 horsepower and can develop a maximum torque of 350 Nm.

Like the C4 WRC, the new R3 DS3 will have a sequential manual transmission with six gears. The French model will have the shift paddles located behind the wheel. Citroen will begin marketing the R3 DS3 later this year.

FIA

FIA World Council met Wednesday in Geneva to establish technical regulations for the latest details of World Rally Championship.

The most important novelty refers to the possibility that any tire manufacturer to participate in the 2011 edition of the WRC. Initially, the FIA launched a public tender for the supply of tires WRC from 2011-2013, but only bid came from those of Pirelli, which are already competing, so far the only known Italians in this of view.

Also confirmed that the FIA World Rally Championship 2011 will have 13 stages, despite the fact that several countries had hoped to secure 14th place. World Forum has not provided any justification for the decision not to include an additional step in the calendar.

In addition, from the Rally Bulgaria seats name will appear on the side windows of cars behind. Furthermore, the FIA has tried to choose a single vendor gear at the WRC cars for 2011 and 2012 seasons, but was not satisfied with any of the proposals.