A prototype model of the new Prodrive Mini WRC is poised to start testing this summer with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, according to Motorsport News.
Even though the project has yet to be officially confirmed by the Banbury outfit, work is said to be progressing rapidly on the car, which could appear in the WRC next year. A BMW 1600cc engine is expected to be installed into the car soon.
Though, Prodrive technical director David Lapworth has ruled out testing an adapted two-litre engine.
He told Motorsport News: “It was not a viable solution to produce a mule engine to get the car running now. I can see the value in Ford and Citroen doing it and I can understand that temptation, but we didn’t feel there was any value in us doing that. We expect to be testing before the end of the summer.”
However, when asked if Mini was involved in the car, Lapworth replied Our rally car development programme is developing nicely.
Credit: Motorsport News and www.rallybuzz.com