The first MINI Countryman WRC is ready to start testing this week at Prodrive’s private test facility in England, according to Autosport magazine.
Prodrive have reportedly taken delivery of their first 1.6-litre turbocharged engine from BMW Motorsport.
The Countryman WRC, after some initial dyno work, will have a shakedown run at Prodrive’s private test facility before the car’s first proper test in September.
Prodrive chief David Richards stated that the Countryman WRC might run on selected British Rally Championship events next year ahead of its WRC debut later in the year.
Richards told Autosport: “In the old days when we were starting competing [with Subaru] we had Colin [McRae] competing in the British Rally Championship to try and prove the car and I see no reason why we wouldn’t be out on a few events in Britain during the test programme.”
The MINI Countryman WRC would most likely run as course car on the BRC events because the series regulations don’t permit the use of World Rally Cars in competition.
– Credit: www.autosport.com and www.rallybuzz.com