As previously reported, MINI is eager to get itself into the World Rally Car Championships with its Countryman crossover and reclaim some of the rallying glory its predecessor / inspiration had in the 1960s. And today, the British automaker released the first official picture of the Countryman WRC, which partner Prodrive has been busy testing at their Warwickshire proving grounds in rural England.
The Countryman-derived WRC prototype – which still wears MINI’s signature psychedelic camouflage and a temporary body kit – has just successfully completed its first round of testing on tarmac and low grip surfaces at the Prodrive facility. The real test, however, will come when the car is sent to Portugal for a week of on-gravel testing. This phase will either make or break MINI’s WRC bid.
Prodrive technical director David Lapworth isn’t taking any chances: “As with any totally new car, it is vital to take time to ensure all the systems are working as intended before embarking on a weeklong gravel test,”
MINI and Prodrive are still finalizing the “look” of the car, with special focus on getting the WRC bodykit right for optimum aerodynamic performance and ground clearance.
By Tristan Hankins
