At the 2010 Paris Motor Testify, MINI unveiled the Countryman WRC. The return of the MINI to WRC was celebrated in big mode past the Oxford-based company and FIA'south boss Jean Todt was also present at the official unveiling.

MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed in cooperation with Prodrive is based off the Countryman roduction model. The powerful middle of the racing auto is a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport. The power transmission takes place via an Xtrac 6-speed, sequential gearbox.

The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International Motorcar Federation (FIA), which stipulate the use of turbo engines with i,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies. The consequence is a significant 25 per cent reduction in overall costs.

mini countryman wrc photos 1551 655x436 Design wise, MINI Countryman WRC'south chassis has been fitted with a roll cage adult by Prodrive, which exceeds the strict safety.

Prodrive has been working on developing the MINI Countryman WRC since early 2009. The visitor was formed in 1984 by Richards, who won the Globe Rally Championship as co-driver to Ari Vatanen (FI) three years earlier. Prodrive will assist MINI's WRC to set split up Countryman WRC models for privateer teams.

To ease the Countryman WRC into the rallying community, it will compete in just six of the 13 scheduled rounds for 2011 earlier undertaking a full flavor in 2012.

At the Paris Motor Evidence, it was likewise confirmed that reigning IRC champion Kris Meeke, 31, would exist behind the bicycle in its debut season.