David Richards, boss of the MINI WRC Team, says the make's world championship debut in Sardinia this week will be an "historic moment".
Richards, whose British Prodrive organisation is responsible for the development of the MINI Countryman-based John Cooper Works WRCs, has a strong record on the world stage, co-driving Ari Vatanen to the drivers’ crown in 1981 before overseeing Subaru’s capture of three manufacturers’ titles in the 1990s.
“The comeback of the MINI has created a real sense of anticipation within the team and yet, at the same time, an acute awareness of the enormous responsibility that rests on our shoulders,” said Richards. “We’ve undertaken over two years of intensive development and testing and it will be an historic moment for everyone involved when we finally put those famous [Monte Carlo Rally-winning] numbers, 37 and 52, on the doors of the cars and start competing.”
Since the MINI project was announced last July, Prodrive has conducted an extensive testing programme, which has been stepped up in recent months following the signing of Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo to lead its driving attack.
“The MINI has performed better than we dared hope in testing and the S2000 car’s debut in Portugal [in March] was very encouraging,” said Richards. “However, we are all too aware of the challenges ahead of us and take nothing for granted. But whatever the outcome, Sardinia will be an historic event for the entire team and everyone who has supported us to get this far.”
While Northern Irishman Meeke admits he still has lots to learn about the John Cooper Works WRC, he is boosted by the fact he has plenty of recent knowledge of competing in Sardinia.
“I have relatively recent experience as I was lucky enough last year to do this event when it was in the IRC and also did the Rally Costa Smeralda on the island,” said the 31-year-old. “This is particularly good for me when going there in a new venture with a new rally car. It is a tough rally to start out with the new car and will be a big test for the new team.”
Team-mate Sordo has transferred from the factory Citroen squad, where he partnered Sebastien Loeb during a four-year stint, to drive for MINI. He said: “I am very excited, like everyone in the team, but also quite nervous as we don’t know what to expect. It is really great to be starting the new programme with the new car.”
Credit: World Rally Championship (www.wrc.com)
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