Prodrive Mini WRC

[Barreis]

Very nice gallery. Who's the kid?

[Juha_Koo]

MobileMe Gallery (http://gallery.me.com/b.munster#100828&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=23)

Nice photos made by an introduction of Prodrive to Snijers and company because of their purchase of a Mini.

Check out the side rollcage construction. I have to say it's probably the single most interesting piece of roll cage engineering I have ever seen. No V-shaped double bars. The single, although very big, side bar is on the "wrong" side of the B-pillar. What the hell? It looks like the chassis' own B-pillar providing majority of the "upper" side impact safety.

Kinda makes sense though, few centimeters more space in one of the most critical parts of modern rally safety. Close-up shots would be interesting.

[Mirek]

Agree, the side safety features are more than interesting! But I still think these tubes are two, just welded together in long co-linear part and covered by plates for making the joint stronger.

Sure it gives more space to the crew but on the other hand the rollcage is very easy to damage by even a small crash...

http://gallery.me.com/b.munster/100828/IMG_9335/web.jpg?ver=13069824410002

[HaCo]

From the nose, the white tarmac version is a very nice car! But from the back it is really ugly, mostly due to the cut-out in the rear bumper. It's a pitty they cut out rear side of wheel arches systematicly, IMO it makes world rally cars in general less appealing.

[manta400]

lovely pictures I noticed in a few about 15 white mini countrymans in the backround all unreg road versions? why would they have them?

[HaCo]

lovely pictures I noticed in a few about 15 white mini countrymans in the backround all unreg road versions? why would they have them?

Probably to go out shopping for the employes. :P

In the same group there's also a recce car.

Wonder when Mini will have an R3, or why not like Renault N4. Hope they use the smaller (future) version of the Mini.

[Mirek]

DR said some time a go on Total Rally that they will do R3T.

[ProRally]

lovely pictures I noticed in a few about 15 white mini countrymans in the backround all unreg road versions? why would they have them?

They start from that as a base car.... also recce cars are made from those...

[Barreis]

From what I saw on recce from Sardinia they have road cars for recce.

[Co-driven]

This was the recce car Daniel Oliveira used in Sardinia:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224066_171118189609122_157921390928802_354055_5650 081_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229596_171118222942452_157921390928802_354056_8042 00_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225771_171118296275778_157921390928802_354059_6190 112_n.jpg

To me, they look like a regular road car, only with the rollcage fitted.

[mousti]

But with enhanced suspension and maybe other adjustments of motor and stuff.

[AMSS]

DR said some time a go on Total Rally that they will do R3T.

Anybody know what this is MobileMe Gallery (http://gallery.me.com/b.munster#100828/IMG_9270&bgcolor=black)

Looks like some Öhlins part based on the color of the reservoir, but I can`t figure out what it is as the normal gas reservoir is attached in the bottom of the damper?

After lookin closer i come to the conclusion that it has to be something to do with the fuel system, maybe a filter and a pressure valve or something or than it is somethin completely different...

[logic]

Anybody know what this is MobileMe Gallery (http://gallery.me.com/b.munster#100828/IMG_9270&bgcolor=black)

Looks like some Öhlins part based on the color of the reservoir, but I can`t figure out what it is as the normal gas reservoir is attached in the bottom of the damper?

could be the power steering acummilator there was one on the subarus that you filled with 1 bar of compressed air for the power steering as they did not have a power steering resivour

[AMSS]

could be the power steering acummilator there was one on the subarus that you filled with 1 bar of compressed air for the power steering as they did not have a power steering resivour

Ok thanks for that info!!

[euskalteam]

Sordo testing in tarmac

YouTube - ‪Dani Sordo tests Mini WRC ,Italy (Video extremrallye)‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZqxzY5_14s)

[Hartusvuori]

autosport.com - WRC News: Early asphalt debut for Mini (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/92055)


Prodrive has confirmed that Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo will drive the Mini WRC on its competitive asphalt debut on the Richard Burns Memorial Rally in August.

[pucky54]

I saw Vaclav Pech was testing the Grifone Mini. Is he about to switch???

[Mirek]

I think it's likely for next year. Maybe he will test it also in some rally - possibly Rally Krkonose in two weeks. But that's just my guessing, I have no info about that.

[pucky54]

I think it's likely for next year. Maybe he will test it also in some rally - possibly Rally Krkonose in two weeks. But that's just my guessing, I have no info about that.

Thx

[Mirek]

So it's confirmed. Mini for Pech will arrive at September and he will use it in 2012. Its owner Mr. Jirovec may drive it in some small rally at the end of the year (currently driving Nissan GT-R in amateur events). I expect Pech to use it in Prague in December.

[Barreis]

Good for him.

[Sulland]

How many Minis are sold to date of the two different categories ? Must be a few, feel I see them "everywhere" these days !

[Cooper_S]

How many Minis are sold to date of the two different categories ? Must be a few, feel I see them "everywhere" these days !

In July 2009 MINI announced that 1.5 million Mini's had rolled off the production line at BMW Group Plant Oxford, this was only 2 years after the 1.0 million milestone was achieved... so at that rate we should see the 2.0 million cars (all types) produced soon.

[Sulland]

In July 2009 MINI announced that 1.5 million Mini's had rolled off the production line at BMW Group Plant Oxford, this was only 2 years after the 1.0 million milestone was achieved... so at that rate we should see the 2.0 million cars (all types) produced soon.

Splendid, but I ment the two different rallycars; WRC and Regional car ! :-)

[Barreis]

Hahahh.

[Motorsportfun]

autosport.com - WRC News: Early asphalt debut for Mini (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/92055)

What what what?

The MINI WRC car has already made his competitive debut on tarmac! lol

What about that?? Gallery (http://www.corradofontana.it/index.php/gallery) :D

[mm1]

Mini with Meeke in Rally Estonia, nice one!

[Sardalense]

How many Minis are sold to date of the two different categories ? Must be a few, feel I see them "everywhere" these days !
WRC

PR04 OOR - Brazil World Rally Team
OU11 BYJ - Motorsport Italia (Armindo Araújo)
1 WRC - Mini Motorsport
2 WRC - Mini Motorsport
OU11 DFN - Corrado Fontana

S2000

OU11 CVK - Grifone
OU11 ESV - Alexandre Bengue
OU11 DFO - Patrick Snijers

[urabus-denoS2000]

So the S2000 Grifone and the WRC that Fontana drove is not the same car ?

[paddocknews]

Kris Meeke and MINI WRC Team will start in the auto24 Rally Estonia
http://bit.ly/jtSW3B

[Sardalense]

So the S2000 Grifone and the WRC that Fontana drove is not the same car ?

No, Fontana drove the WRC in Rally della Marca and Marco Cavalieri drove the S2000 in Rally Montecatini Terme, both rallyes were in last weekend.

[Barreis]

Very nice.

[Cooper_S]

What about the Dakkar MINI..?

[Juha_Koo]

Ketomaa to drive the MINI WRC.

Suomalaiskuski Minin WRC-auton rattiin - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/06/1343176/suomalaiskuski-minin-wrc-auton-rattiin)

He has tested the car and had a positive feeling. The program is planned to start from Finland. It's most likely to be a private team but Prodrive has promised full technical support.

Great for Ketomaa!

[mm1]

Yes! Very happy with that!

[OldF]

A program for this and also next season. Sounds great. The Minis are popping up here and there.

[N.O.T]

very nice decision...finally we will see where he stands in comparison with some real rally drivers...hope he does more events than finland.

[N.O.T]

A program for this and also next season. Sounds great. The Minis are popping up here and there.

this is also an indication that BMW might be somewhat serious about their project....which is good

[GigiGalliNo1]

What about the Dakkar MINI..?

That was made by the BMW X-Raid team... It was basically a BMW X3 with a MINI shell on the top... Plus MINI will be a big team in 2012 with no BMW in Dakar officially, only privateers :)

[noel157]

this is also an indication that BMW might be somewhat serious about their project....which is good

BMW have been very "serious" from day 1. A lot of money has come from Munich to Banbury.

[Zeakiwi]

Ketomaa to drive the MINI WRC.

Suomalaiskuski Minin WRC-auton rattiin - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/06/1343176/suomalaiskuski-minin-wrc-auton-rattiin)

He has tested the car and had a positive feeling. The program is planned to start from Finland. It's most likely to be a private team but Prodrive has promised full technical support.

Great for Ketomaa!
How many Minis are on Finnish Roads ? Could Ketomaa to replace an Iberian who might go to VW ?

[dimviii]

this is also an indication that BMW might be somewhat serious about their project....which is good

this is an indication that they want to make money,and NOT of how serious about their project.

[A.F.F.]

Ketomaa to drive the MINI WRC.

Suomalaiskuski Minin WRC-auton rattiin - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/06/1343176/suomalaiskuski-minin-wrc-auton-rattiin)

He has tested the car and had a positive feeling. The program is planned to start from Finland. It's most likely to be a private team but Prodrive has promised full technical support.

Great for Ketomaa!

:bounce:

[Barreis]

Good for him.

[Luis Pacheco]

Portuguese driver Miguel Campos tested the Mini WRC


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAUis6rifv4&feature=player_embedded

[logic]

He seems to be enjoying him self

[mousti]

WRC

PR04 OOR - Brazil World Rally Team
OU11 BYJ - Motorsport Italia (Armindo Araújo)
1 WRC - Mini Motorsport
2 WRC - Mini Motorsport
OU11 DFN - Corrado Fontana

S2000

OU11 CVK - Grifone
OU11 ESV - Alexandre Bengue
OU11 DFO - Patrick Snijers

Snijers will be a WRC after Ypres.

[HaCo]

Aroujo's comment after retirement in Greece:

“It’s never 100 per cent,” he said. “We lose the powersteering and it’s all the time problems. It’s difficult in this way and I’m a little bit disappointed. It’s a new car and with a new car you don’t have all the spares to test, everything is new and a lot of things happen during the races. It’s difficult and harder than I thought it would be after two very good seasons. From my side it’s difficult to change anything.”
World Rally Championship - Results - Acropolis Rally (http://www.wrc.com/results/2011/acropolis-rally-of-greece/split-times/)

[swgn]

Can anyone make out what size those rims & tyres are?


This was the recce car Daniel Oliveira used in Sardinia:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225771_171118296275778_157921390928802_354059_6190 112_n.jpg

To me, they look like a regular road car, only with the rollcage fitted.

[manta400]

195/70/16 ?

[Barreis]

Yes.

[dimviii]

i think it is 15''
why to use 16'' when they have the gravel 15'' ones?

[swgn]

Thanks all, I've only seen them available in 15x7: ATS Motorsport RG - Rallye Gravel Wheel (http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorsport/Wheels_Tyres/Competition_Wheels/ATS_Motorsport_RG_Rallye_Gravel_Wheel/1788/0/224919) c/- Demon Tweaks.

More (via) (http://www.uniwheels.com/uwg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147%3Aats-motorshow-essen&catid=50%3Agroup-news&Itemid=254&lang=en):


And ATS is already looking forward to yet more successes during the course of next year's season. Together with the English motor racing forger Prodrive, ATS is getting ready to join the FIA rally world championship. ATS already designed and built exclusive special alloy wheels for the Mini WRC which is making its debut in 2011. The new developments are also set to take centre stage at the Essen Motor Show. It is hoped that the RG Racing Gravel in 7.0 x 15 inches, as well as the RT Racing Tarmac in 8.0 x 18 inches will smooth the brand new Mini WRC's path along the world's rallying tracks to its first winning accolades.

[mousti]

Will post it here also for the member who're only following WRC:

YouTube - ‪Test Patrick Snijers Mini John Cooper Works S2000 Rally 1.6T‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j89BwwUwOU&feature=channel_video_title)

YouTube - ‪Onboard Patrick Snijers Mini John Cooper S2000‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv0eTnabcUg&feature=channel_video_title)

[Zeakiwi]

Mini rollcages

According to this article Prodrive has put some innovation into the Mini rollcages.

Safety Plays a Major Role in Design of MINI John Cooper Works WRC | RallyBuzz (http://www.rallybuzz.com/mini-roll-cage/)

I hope the best info is let out to improve the safety of rally roll cage design across cage constructors.

[noel157]

Car and Meeke back up to speed...

krismeeke.com - new road today. fast fast fast! proper finland. took over from @DaniSordo late afternoon.. #Liking200kphSidewaysWheelies - TwitVid (http://www.twitvid.com/WJYAA)

Sordo:

YouTube - ‪Mini WRC - Flying in Finland!‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4_l6vfIZC4)

Juha, that your video?

[noel157]

Car and Meeke back up tp speed...

krismeeke.com - new road today. fast fast fast! proper finland. took over from @DaniSordo late afternoon.. #Liking200kphSidewaysWheelies - TwitVid (http://www.twitvid.com/WJYAA)

Sordo:

YouTube - ‪Mini WRC - Flying in Finland!‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4_l6vfIZC4)

Juha, that your video?

[Barreis]

Mini WRC team withdraws from Rally Estonia due to testing damage - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93069)

[Plan9]

I hope Meeke's testing accidents do not become a trend for the rest of this season. I hope his confidence is not damaged.

[Barreis]

He's used on offs.

[dimviii]

Dani Sordo about Minis power....
"In Finland, it is not so bad," said Sordo časopisu British Autosport. "But for the next company in Germany, where many branches, it is very important. We have to make some changes, but I'm not sure whether this occurs before end of the season - it seems that BMW is now concentrating on the DTM. "

Google PYeklada (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=cs&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php%3Fid%3D17398)

[Plan9]

Dani Sordo about Minis power....
"In Finland, it is not so bad," said Sordo časopisu British Autosport. "But for the next company in Germany, where many branches, it is very important. We have to make some changes, but I'm not sure whether this occurs before end of the season - it seems that BMW is now concentrating on the DTM. "

Google PYeklada (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=cs&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php%3Fid%3D17398)

uh oh. I hope he's wrong about this. It kind of sounds a bit like sour grapes as he may not have the car as he likes it.

[cannyboy]

About time Dani started winning rallies rather than complaining about his car, teammate, the weather.....
Sounds like a right miserable chap these past few years. Still not sure what Mini see in the lad.
The only thing he appears good at is being slower than his teammate.

[Plan9]

+1 lmao how many years has it been since his last win at any level anyway???
I am hoping next year Mini picks up an Atko or a 1 of the finns competing in mini at this years NORF.
But serioursly, I read that Mini/Prodrive had more than enough lucre to make a very competitive car.
Is it possible that BMW may cut funding before Mini has even really started in the WRC?

[Barreis]

About time Dani started winning rallies rather than complaining about his car, teammate, the weather.....
Sounds like a right miserable chap these past few years. Still not sure what Mini see in the lad.
The only thing he appears good at is being slower than his teammate.

Meeke drove Sardinia last year in IRC, Sordo didn't. Meeke DNF, Sordo finished.

[cannyboy]

Meeke drove Sardinia last year in IRC, Sordo didn't. Meeke DNF, Sordo finished.

6th place finishes won't sell many minis.
Neither will his constant complaining about the team, car etc.
He hasn't demonstrated a level of talent at this point to justify his position as moaner and chief of the wrc.

Bang in some results dani, and you can moan all you want.
At least meeke looks like a guy with potential.

[Mirek]

Meeke drove Sardinia last year in IRC, Sordo didn't. Meeke DNF, Sordo finished.

it wasn't Meeke's fault he didn't finish. Besides that Sordo drove Sardegna many more times than Kris...

[Barreis]

Yeah, find something more.

[Plan9]

Well Meeke was in the top 3 in the debut of his car. Also he has higher public profile than Sordo as he has won an IRC title and is in a game.

[noel157]

Yeah, find something more.

Why do you not like Meeke? Always very negative about him.

[Barreis]

I could never say that. Colin McRae was my hero, and if Meeke was his protegee then I could never say anything bad. He just like to go off sometimes.

[Josti]

He just like to go off sometimes.

Yeah, McRae never did that. :\

[pete c]

yeah, and neither does ogier!

[Koppomsbo]

[quote="Plan9"]

On the other hand, so did Subaru/Prodrive?

[Plan9]

On the other hand, so did Subaru/Prodrive?

Good point. I am going with what I've rad and heard from Dave Richard in interviews and he seems to think they will be find. I was just a bit worried by some recent comments by Sordo and I want to have some reassurance that this won't be underfunded.
BTW in the early days, I thought Subaru was well funded but not at the end....

[Plan9]

did anyone else notice there are BP stickers on the cars now. I hope that adds a little something to the bank balance for prodrive.

[mousti]

Campana will doing Rally de France in the Mini WRC because Bengue will do his job like always for Ogier as a oevreur.

[I am evil Homer]

I see Sordo's getting the excuses in early now.

[MikeD]

Campana will doing Rally de France in the Mini WRC because Bengue will do his job like always for Ogier as a oevreur.

What's with the Drive-Pro banner? It has the same logo as Prodrive but what is different since it doesn't run under "Prodrive". Anybody knows?

[Plan9]

I think that the mini seems better suited to the current rules than some of prodrive's most recent subarus. Koppomsbo, I am not sure why subaru did not get the results they should have.

[J.Lindstroem]

I could never say that. Colin McRae was my hero, and if Meeke was his protegee then I could never say anything bad. He just like to go off sometimes.

I must have mixed you up with someone else cause last time i checked you called him a pussylicker. Strange.

[Barreis]

What's wrong with that?! Aren't we all? :D

[AMSS]

What's wrong with that?! Aren't we all? :D

At least hopefully we all are... :D

[Juha_Koo]

I must have mixed you up with someone else cause last time i checked you called him a pussylicker. Strange.

:D

[Plan9]

This is hopeful:

Lapworth: (http://www.mudsnowandtar.com/latestnews/lapworth-we-will-catch-citroen)

I am particularly glad to have it confirmed that BMW have an engine development program for the WRC effort.

[Mirek]

That's really necessary. I saw the car live for the first time now and it definitely is down on power.

[Donney]

So Sordo was not so wrong after all.

[Plan9]

That's really necessary. I saw the car live for the first time now and it definitely is down on power.
what gave you that impression?

[Plan9]

Does anyone ahve any good pics of Mattias Therman's mini?

[MikeD]

Does anyone ahve any good pics of Mattias Therman's mini?

Try and have a look at these...

Team Therminator (http://www.teamtherminator.fi/eng/gallery)

[Mirek]

what gave you that impression?

Watching the car live.

[SubaruNorway]

The Mini didn't sound as loud as in Sardinia so i was a bit disappointed with that.
Maybe it was revving up more cos of the bumpy roads in Sardinia though...

[Plan9]

Watching the car live.

I am yet to have this pleasure. I will need to wait till Rally NZ 2012. Do the youtube clips do it justice?

[Camelopard]

I have some I took after his crash, want those?

[Camelopard]

Does anyone ahve any good pics of Mattias Therman's mini?

I have some close ups after his crash, want those?

[306 Cosworth]

Watching the car live.

You can't tell if a car is a couple of BHP down on power just by watching it :s So many people talk absolute sh it on this forum.

[Mirek]

You can't tell if a car is a couple of BHP down on power just by watching it :s So many people talk absolute sh it on this forum.

I don't try to force You to believe me. Take it easy ;)

It's not about comparing completely different cars. I agree that in such case it is virtually impossible to judge for example S2000 and gr.N car in peak power figures. But here the cars have basically same transmission, same weight and engine of same conception with same restrictor. Of course I agree that if there is a visual difference in performance, it's not just a couple of Hp...

[mousti]

Mathieu Arzeno tested today with the Mini.

[logic]

I would tend to believe Merik with the cars being down on power. It does not make sense giving 2 new drivers to the car and a new car a rocket for an engine when they know they still have bugs to work out . I would think the big spec engine will come next year ...................hopefully.

[Rallyper]

I would tend to believe Merik with the cars being down on power. It does not make sense giving 2 new drivers to the car and a new car a rocket for an engine when they know they still have bugs to work out . I would think the big spec engine will come next year ...................hopefully.

Where did I read that BMW will take on a engine develop programme for the Mini´s WRC? If that will happen the car will surely not be down on power....

[Gregor-y]

Maybe they could buy motors from Citroen; I bet they will fit. ;)

[OldF]

I don’t know how it’s with the engine development of MINI because they aren’t in the championship but for the two others (Ford / Citroen) it should be as it is until the end of the year.

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/1B72438CF9C8C75CC12578D800508E2E/$FILE/WRC%20Regs&Appx%202011_v2.pdf

page 47, 64.4 RESTRICTION OF ENGINE PARTS DEVELOPMENT

Probably they all can develop the engine but not apply the new developments until next year.

As can be seen by the homologations, Citroen and Ford has made several upgrades to the engine (three VOs and two ER for Citroen and four VOs and one ER for Ford) before 1.5.2011 compared to Mini with only one VO and one ER.

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/7F18BC0F4DF677CBC12578D40045C086/$FILE/ToutesVoitures_21.07.2011.pdf

Citroen on page 15
Ford on page 26
Mini on page 6

[mm1]

Mini`s engine is beeing deweloped by BMW, and you can believe me, if somethings important for BMW, then it`s the engine, they have to have the best unit in the series. I think next year Mini might surprise few of us.

[traxx]

What's the meanning of VO and ER, please ?

[Mirek]

Mini`s engine is beeing deweloped by BMW, and you can believe me, if somethings important for BMW, then it`s the engine, they have to have the best unit in the series. I think next year Mini might surprise few of us.

Maybe the problem is they decided to start from production engine. Citroën went for specially built racing unit.


What's the meanning of VO and ER, please ?

VO is Variante Option - means it's an optional part, You can use it but it's not mandatory

ER is Erratum - means a part which replaces previously homologated one, this part is mandatory after a given time after homologation, usually one year (may be more on manufacturers request)

FIA rules say which part can be homologated as VO and which one must be ER.

[Gregor-y]

Maybe the problem is they decided to start from production engine. Citroën went for specially built racing unit.
How special is it? Is this a custom cast block or something that's strengthened? A custom created cylinder head? I would think every manufacturer would have their internals custom made or use known stronger bits.

[Mirek]

Although production unit called 1.6 THP is shared by BMW and PSA, only BMW used it for Mini WRC. PSA used this unit only for DS3 R3T and 207 R3T but for DS3 WRC they designed completely new engine where every part is purpose-built. I think the block is from alluminium but is not shared with production unit. Ford - like BMW - uses production-based engine 1.6 EcoBoost.

[AMSS]

Although production unit called 1.6 THP is shared by BMW and PSA, only BMW used it for Mini WRC. PSA used this unit only for DS3 R3T and 207 R3T but for DS3 WRC they designed completely new engine where every part is purpose-built. I think the block is from alluminium but is not shared with production unit. Ford - like BMW - uses production-based engine 1.6 EcoBoost.

I might be wrong but if I remember correctly than only the cylinder block is from prod.unit on the Ford, cylinder head is completely custom made. I could be wrong though but this is what I heard/read somewhere...

[traxx]

I don’t know how it’s with the engine development of MINI because they aren’t in the championship but for the two others (Ford / Citroen) it should be as it is until the end of the year.

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/1B72438CF9C8C75CC12578D800508E2E/$FILE/WRC%20Regs&Appx%202011_v2.pdf

page 47, 64.4 RESTRICTION OF ENGINE PARTS DEVELOPMENT

Probably they all can develop the engine but not apply the new developments until next year.

As can be seen by the homologations, Citroen and Ford has made several upgrades to the engine (three VOs and two ER for Citroen and four VOs and one ER for Ford) before 1.5.2011 compared to Mini with only one VO and one ER.

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/7F18BC0F4DF677CBC12578D40045C086/$FILE/ToutesVoitures_21.07.2011.pdf

Citroen on page 15
Ford on page 26
Mini on page 6

It seems that the Fiesta's bodywork has changed in May, in June and in July, but I'm not able to find something different on shots during this period, do you know what kind of evolution it is ? It's also strange because the new transmission for Finland is not in the list...

[Mirek]

I might be wrong but if I remember correctly than only the cylinder block is from prod.unit on the Ford, cylinder head is completely custom made. I could be wrong though but this is what I heard/read somewhere...

I stand corrected ;)

[Plan9]

I thought that Mini's engine came from BMW touring car program????

[Mirek]

Yes, the engine is shared for WRC and WTCC cars.

[OldF]

It seems that the Fiesta's bodywork has changed in May, in June and in July, but I'm not able to find something different on shots during this period, do you know what kind of evolution it is ? It's also strange because the new transmission for Finland is not in the list...

Sorry, I don’t have any information about that. Probably only information for insiders.

Here’s the presentation of the DS3 WRC. At about 5:30 the engine is explained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5YFONFJEY&feature=player_embedded

At 6:29 you can also see that the engine is run with full throttle (papillon 100%) at 7500 rpm.

This not looks for me as a standard cylinder head at about 00:10. Also at about 00:40 the cylinder block don’t look standard either. http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en#p/u/45/GKx1s4QSuOM

[logic]

Sorry, I don’t have any information about that. Probably only information for insiders.

Here’s the presentation of the DS3 WRC. At about 5:30 the engine is explained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5YFONFJEY&feature=player_embedded

At 6:29 you can also see that the engine is run with full throttle (papillon 100%) at 7500 rpm.

This not looks for me as a standard cylinder head at about 00:10. Also at about 00:40 the cylinder block don’t look standard either. http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en#p/u/45/GKx1s4QSuOM

That is it right there , seeing that you can design your own engine with a special block and head that is where the power and reliability is at . No need to use the stock engine with the limitations of that same engine.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, the engine is shared for WRC and WTCC cars.

But they are/have pulling out of the WTCC (Privateer teams), and are currently using the 2.0L N/A engine. The 1.6L T will be in the M3 DTM car.

[Plan9]

Well then BMW has had a reliable engine in WTCC so I am going to hope that it will prove just as reliable in the WRC, with some alterations of course.

[AMSS]

Sorry, I don’t have any information about that. Probably only information for insiders.

Here’s the presentation of the DS3 WRC. At about 5:30 the engine is explained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5YFONFJEY&feature=player_embedded

At 6:29 you can also see that the engine is run with full throttle (papillon 100%) at 7500 rpm.

This not looks for me as a standard cylinder head at about 00:10. Also at about 00:40 the cylinder block don’t look standard either. http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en#p/u/45/GKx1s4QSuOM

Don`t know what cylinder blocks you`ve been looking at previously but there it is on video, Citroen custom made block and Ford stock based block!

Regarding the Mini ( this is the Mini topic...) than at Neste rally it was explained to me that BMW has intentionally made the engine in "supersafe mode" so that both BMW and Prodrive will get as much mileage as possible from the car without engine problems. This makes sence as they need the experience and also because everyone knows that for BMW the engine is just as someone previously said a question of honour and they really want to have the best one.
According to BMW there`s alot more to come from the engine so Prodrive shouldn`t worry about that.

[Gregor-y]

It's a shame makers aren't required to use a stock block; some Subarus in the early-90s were ridiculously overbuilt.

[Mirek]

FIA allowed purpose-build block to make manufacturers without stock 1.6T engine able to join WRC/WTCC.

[Bobcat]

This not looks for me as a standard cylinder head at about 00:10. Also at about 00:40 the cylinder block don’t look standard either. http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en#p/u/45/GKx1s4QSuOM
Interesting.

http://www.motorsportforums.com/wrc/146268-ford-ends-m-sport-run-wrc-8.html#post950716
Quesnel: "We've just made a new engine from nothing, we've never done it like this, so it was completely new for us. We didn't know how direct injection worked. I think the engine will be much better at the end of the year than it is now, but I can't tell you what will happen to Ford's engine. In the end, I'm sure they will be exactly the same."

He said: "In the end, they (Ford) will be exactly the same." :confused: I understand that the same engine is a custom made block and head (a 1.6 engine from nothing).

[devendorf]

But they are/have pulling out of the WTCC (Privateer teams), and are currently using the 2.0L N/A engine. The 1.6L T will be in the M3 DTM car.

Almost everything wrong there. Most of the current WTCC BMW's are running with 1.6L turbo engine (320 TC). Just few cars with old 2.0L engine (320si). DTM will continue 2012 with 4.0L V8.

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - Campana prepares for Germany with Burns Rally win (http://www.wrc.com/news/campana-prepares-for-germany-with-burns-rally-win/?fid=15165)

[wildsir]

World Rally Championship - News - Campana prepares for Germany with Burns Rally win (http://www.wrc.com/news/campana-prepares-for-germany-with-burns-rally-win/?fid=15165)
Good for him.

[Tomi]

Good for him.
+1

[N.O.T]

LOL...

[DonJippo]

LOL...

+1

[focus206]

:D
You don't know how much I laughed.

[danon]

A familiar story - all started with a laugh (LOL) to end up in tears.

Whoever laughs last - laughs best!

A new champion-star is rising :arrow: :champion:

[White Sauron]

Is Mini WRC's engine based on the same 1.6 mass-production model installed in Peugeot 308s and Citroen C4s?

[Mirek]

Yes, PSA/BMW EP6DTS.

[White Sauron]

Yes, PSA/BMW EP6DTS.

Great! I now once againg have a team to support in the WRC))

[Plan9]

Great! I now once againg have a team to support in the WRC))

Good for you. I personally have always been a big fan of everything that Prodrive has done. I think that this has been their most exciting project in many years, it is a very very good sign that Sordo got a podium and that Meeke could be competitive straight away (although I am gutted that he has had yet ANOTHER mechanical problem and made a silly tyre choice).

[Walach]

Well, third place is a nice result, but they got it thanks to opponent´s problems & mistakes. But very smart drive by Sordo... :)

[Zeakiwi]

The mini wrc looks stable on tarmac. Big ups for the Prodrive team.

[pete c]

and Ogier got his win thanks to Loebs problems and mistakes, thats what makes rallying the sport it is.
winners do benefit from others mistakes

[ProRally]

and Ogier got his win thanks to Loebs problems and mistakes, thats what makes rallying the sport it is.
winners do benefit from others mistakes

The prizes are given at end of the event.... hence you are 100% correct !!

[Daniel]

and Ogier got his win thanks to Loebs problems and mistakes, thats what makes rallying the sport it is.
winners do benefit from others mistakes

Of course, but it has to be considered. If a car debuts and is running 10th and the first 9 cars retire then you can't exactly call it a major success. That said, even being in the top 5 is a decent result for Prodrive at this stage :)

[Rallyper]

How about Flodins´stage times the last day? I think he did a good job in Germany, not been able to drive a WRC car as much as his competitors before the rally.

[AMSS]

Tarmac racing is one area where Prodrive/Mini benefits significantly from their partner Öhlins. As Öhlins basically rules the track racing series with production based cars. And is single supplier to for instance MotoGp.
This must have some if not a big influence in their speed in Germany, and I don`t mean anything bad with this it`s a good thing for Mini.
On the other hand Öhlins has been more or less out of the picture on Gravel for some 10 years and also that is notable. Anyhow they sure got the resources to improve alot also on gravel so I think the Mini project looks surprisingly positive at the moment although I was sceptical at first..

[N.O.T]

i disagree...why ??

Subaru WRC.

[AMSS]

i disagree...why ??

Subaru WRC.
Why do you disagree, Subaru never ran on Öhlins as an official manufactorer??
First time they had them in a WRC event was in Rally Portugal on gravel with Marcus Grönholm...

[cali]

i disagree...why ??

Subaru WRC.

Remember that Subaru has won several World titles, only the last models were crap due to various reasons.

[Rallyper]

i disagree...why ??

Subaru WRC.

N.O.T. Bottom again!

[OldF]

Tarmac racing is one area where Prodrive/Mini benefits significantly from their partner Öhlins. As Öhlins basically rules the track racing series with production based cars. And is single supplier to for instance MotoGp.
This must have some if not a big influence in their speed in Germany, and I don`t mean anything bad with this it`s a good thing for Mini.
On the other hand Öhlins has been more or less out of the picture on Gravel for some 10 years and also that is notable. Anyhow they sure got the resources to improve alot also on gravel so I think the Mini project looks surprisingly positive at the moment although I was sceptical at first..

There’s also been some discussion earlier about the suspension travel of the Mini being shorter compared to Ford or Citroen. How do you evaluate this, has it something to do with the better performance of Mini on tarmac compared to gravel? Imo bigger suspension travel is more important on at least Finnish type gravel roads where the car is not necessary jumping but lifting off a bit.

[dimviii]

+1 @FVS
Subaru/Prodrive had BOS suspension at last seasons.

[dimviii]

+1 @FVS Subaru had BOS suspension

[Mirek]

Didn't they use also Sachs?

[dimviii]

Didn't they use also Sachs?
Don t think so Mirek,but i am not 100% sure.

[logic]

Didn't they use also Sachs?

They used Sachs on the S11-S12C and EXE-TC on the cars from 98-2005 , the S14's started on BOS on gronholm's rally portugal car they had ohlins.

[N.O.T]

Subaru WRT have commenced an agreement with Ohlins and are expected to use the new dampers from Rally Japan onwards | RallyBuzz (http://www.rallybuzz.com/subaru-ohlins-dampers/)

i remebered they had a deal for 2009 for their official cars... They quit in 2009... don't remember if they managed to use the ohlins suspension earlier.

But the gronholm car was prepared by prodrive...and was a 2008 works car.

[bluuford]

The car will be faster than we can expect and they are going to surprise us all (almost all)! One podium during the season for sure!

When it becomes true, then I will be at the end of the last SS in first World Championship round that takes place in Estonia and offer a free beer to every (http://www.motorsportforums.com) forum member that has shown negative attitude in this topic (until now).

Yes, when the positive scenario happens then I am going to dig out my post from the history books :-)
When it does not happen then I am sure that someone does it for me :-P

So, please keep in your mind. I tend to keep my promises. You can remind it to me even if I am 90 years old by that time. I am never too old for this sh*t called rallying :-)

Greetings from Russia, St Petersburg;-)

[Mintexmemory]

So, please keep in your mind. I tend to keep my promises. You can remind it to me even if I am 90 years old by that time. I am never too old for this sh*t called rallying :-)

Greetings from Russia, St Petersburg;-)

You are clearly a man after my own heart! Now we just have to wait for WRC Rally Estonia, unfortunately I don't qualify for a beer as I have been sure the Mini was going to be good since the first announcement. What I saw in Sardinia confirmed my feeling. I think that Sordo will push harder in Catalunya and it is also a Meeke -type rally. Think that there will be an Estonian World Champion before WRC Rally Estonia, though ;-)

[Plan9]

I kept the faith. I knew this project would be amazing as soon as I heard it would have contributions from BMW and Dave Richards was on board. I cannot wait till rally NZ to see this car for real. I have to say I actually like the road going Countryman now it has a rally version.

[Plan9]

By the way, does anyone have the brochure that potential customers of prodrive get to look at to choose whether they want an s2000 or wrc mini wrc car?

[AMSS]

There’s also been some discussion earlier about the suspension travel of the Mini being shorter compared to Ford or Citroen. How do you evaluate this, has it something to do with the better performance of Mini on tarmac compared to gravel? Imo bigger suspension travel is more important on at least Finnish type gravel roads where the car is not necessary jumping but lifting off a bit.

The discussion regarding the travel applies for gravel/snow rallies as you say yourself.
I don`t think you`ve seen anyone with long travel on tarmac have you? In fact in circuit racing it`s customs to even limit the rebound travel in order to get the rear inner wheel to lift which normaly tends to give better turning!
just look at the wtcc cars in cornering for instance.

[koko0703]

Didn't Ostberg used Ohlin on his Impreza and kicked a** out of the works cars in Sweden or Norway? I think that was when Prodrive started to look into Ohlin. I'm sure it wasn't on tarmac....

[logic]

Didn't Ostberg used Ohlin on his Impreza and kicked a** out of the works cars in Sweden or Norway? I think that was when Prodrive started to look into Ohlin. I'm sure it wasn't on tarmac....

All of his cars have Reigers on them

[AMSS]

Didn't Ostberg used Ohlin on his Impreza and kicked a** out of the works cars in Sweden or Norway? I think that was when Prodrive started to look into Ohlin. I'm sure it wasn't on tarmac....

As logic said it was Reiger, also at that time Prodrive tried to buy Reiger(the company itself) but due to several reasons they refused selling! One was their close ties to M-sport.
Also I doubt the dampers was the single reason for the Subarus bad performance at that time regardless of what they say.
I also think Prodrive would have been better of by choosing another damper supplier like Exe.Tc or even Bos instead of Öhlins for the Mini because their quit historic in my mind. But time will tell.

[Plan9]

Does anyone have access to the Autosport Plus article "How Mini is tackling the WRC with style"? It looks a good read.


Also, I think regarless of the Shocks, the Mini is doing far better than the recent efforts by Prodrive with an Impreza. I'm sure it can only get better from here on out on all surfaces. Snow will be particularly interesting.

[N.O.T]

their gravel performance must be improved since they are too far from ford at the moment, on tarmac we need to see them in an event with both fords healthy, to have a complete picture of the performance.

[hsmed]

.....the Autosport Plus article "How Mini is tackling the WRC with style"?

It is a quite long article which I will not copy here, but a brief part is here below:

Watching the Mini in Finland and Germany, you saw a perfectly well settled and balanced chassis which is inspiring confidence in the drivers.
The team's technical director, Dave Wilcock, points to the early development work as the reason for the car's handling ability.
"That has a lot to do with the time we spent looking at what would make the perfect car under the new regulations," says Wilcock.
"We looked at every alternative and came up with a very good solution from the simulations in terms of things like the geometry.
"Because of this design work, we knew we would be strong on asphalt so I wouldn't say I'm totally surprised by the result in Germany."


Otherwise David Evans points to the drivers contribution and he thinks, that they both do a very good job. He also mentions that the team expects further upgrades to the engine but he is a bit worried that BMW's commitment to the DTM might affect the rally effort in a negative way.

[Plan9]

Thanks. I hope the DTM programme does not suffocate Mini either. I susupect that will remain to be seen. The DTM car could be a dog in comparison to the Mini...

[Gregor-y]

Let's hope not; consider what just looking into F1 did to Prodrive.

[Plan9]

Yeah that was sad. Also remember that Prodrive did B.A.R. for awhile before Hondo took it over. They still do Le Mans & V8 Supercars so I am not sure. I was reading earlier that BMW was doing 50-50 engine development for DTM and WRC.

How would you guys rate the chances of BMW being mean and not funding WRC, which at this stage does look a promising project???

[tfp]

Yeah that was sad. Also remember that Prodrive did B.A.R. for awhile before Hondo took it over. They still do Le Mans & V8 Supercars so I am not sure. I was reading earlier that BMW was doing 50-50 engine development for DTM and WRC.

How would you guys rate the chances of BMW being mean and not funding WRC, which at this stage does look a promising project???

I hope not, they wouldn't be very popular if they did, as you say, its a very promising project!

[AndyRAC]

Yeah that was sad. Also remember that Prodrive did B.A.R. for awhile before Hondo took it over. They still do Le Mans & V8 Supercars so I am not sure. I was reading earlier that BMW was doing 50-50 engine development for DTM and WRC.

How would you guys rate the chances of BMW being mean and not funding WRC, which at this stage does look a promising project???

We have to be honest and face facts. The DTM is their No1 Motorsport priority - were they are up against other 'Premium' brands. Any type of support for the MINI/Prodrive project is better than nothing.

[Plan9]

I just hope it doesn't come down to BMW giving up on a title (if they are in a position to do so) in the WRC to make the DTM project better. Remember Rampf made a silly decision with the F1 team when he tried to boost Heidfeld at the expense of Kubica's title challenge in 2008. Although thankfully he is no longer part of the BMW operation I hope they are not tempted to emulated his (flawed) logic in the WRC.

I do expect Mini do be near to winning rallies from next year however.

[wildsir]

WRC is peanuts compared to DTM
They would spend more on german beer and frankfurter sausages in DTM hospitally than on WRC
They can do both easily

[Plan9]

But will they.....? lol

[Andre Oliveira]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBVIlRYFV80

Facebook Armindo Araújo (http://www.facebook.com/FasArmindoAraujo)

[rallyfiend]

But will they.....? lol

I thought the whole basis of the Prodrive project was very much along the lines of M-Sport:

- minimal funding / intervention from the manufacturer
- programme funded larely through sponsorship and customer car operations / sales

[Plan9]

I think that Dave Richard wouldn't do anything as half arsed as Malcolm Wilson like being a totally customer based operation. He said at the cars launch that he wanted a Mini to be fighting for the title in 2013. I choose to believe he was speaking with integrity when he said that.

[Plan9]

According to the latest Red Bulletin, Hayden Paddon came close to a deal with Mini for 2011 but missed out due to funding. Now doesn't that provide food for thought....

[mousti]

Test John Cooper Works WRC Patrick Snijers/Johan Gitsels - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlnUH-6KQE&feature=feedu)

Test of Snijers with the Mini Countryman WRC!!

[Mintexmemory]

According to the latest Red Bulletin, Hayden Paddon came close to a deal with Mini for 2011 but missed out due to funding. Now doesn't that provide food for thought....

Hopefully Haydon will win PWRC and attract the level of funding needed next year.

[Barreis]

Hardly (attract the funding)..

[Plan9]

Hopefully Haydon will win PWRC and attract the level of funding needed next year.
I think it will be a big ask to do that. But I am hopeful as well.

[cali]

Hopefully Haydon will win PWRC and attract the level of funding needed next year.

Unfortunately experience shows that previous PWRC winners have had downfall after their title, seems like nobody isn't interested in this title. But paddon is a good prospect and I hope he gets good funding for yeras to come :)

[Fly]

Interesting times set by Snijers on the first 2 stages. Fastest on stage 2.

After 2ss tonight:
KP 2 (http://www.rallyresultaten.be/Omloop2011/Results/Moderne/KP2.htm)

1.Tsjoen C4 13'04"7
2.Snijers Mini +2"5
3.Casier Impreza S12 +7"1
4.Van Parijs Focus 05 +16"
5.VdHeuvel Lancer EvoX R4 +25"4
6.Bonjean 307
7.Lefevere M3
8.Weijs Impreza S9
9.Langenakens Lancer EvoX N
10.Lloyd Impreza S14

[GigiGalliNo1]

I believe David Lapworth is in Australia at the Rally :)

[Plan9]

I believe David Lapworth is in Australia at the Rally :)
What would he be doing there?

[Co-driven]

What would he be doing there?

I think he is there because of Daniel Oliveira.

[Mirek]

Interesting times set by Snijers on the first 2 stages. Fastest on stage 2.

After 2ss tonight:
KP 2 (http://www.rallyresultaten.be/Omloop2011/Results/Moderne/KP2.htm)

1.Tsjoen C4 13'04"7
2.Snijers Mini +2"5
3.Casier Impreza S12 +7"1
4.Van Parijs Focus 05 +16"
5.VdHeuvel Lancer EvoX R4 +25"4
6.Bonjean 307
7.Lefevere M3
8.Weijs Impreza S9
9.Langenakens Lancer EvoX N
10.Lloyd Impreza S14

Unfortunately again the issue with stuck throttle came into the game...

[mousti]

I'm not sure it was the same problem as Meeke because the stuck throttle was caused by a screw that came stuck between the pedal..

Onboard from Snijers in Ypres superb commitment from a 53 year old driver.

Onboard Patrick Snijers / Johan Gitsels John Cooper Works - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEi3vF7BYQk&feature=channel_video_title)

[Barreis]

Really great onboard.

[gravelman]

I'm not sure it was the same problem as Meeke because the stuck throttle was caused by a screw that came stuck between the pedal..

Onboard from Snijers in Ypres superb commitment from a 53 year old driver.

Onboard Patrick Snijers / Johan Gitsels John Cooper Works - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEi3vF7BYQk&feature=channel_video_title)

Fantastic onboard. WRC take note of the angles ;)

[Allyc85]

I see on twitter that BTRDA drivers Steve Perez and Paul Bird have been invited by Mini to try the WRC car. Wonder if they will be hiring one for Rally GB or buying one for next season ;)

[Plan9]

I see on twitter that BTRDA drivers Steve Perez and Paul Bird have been invited by Mini to try the WRC car. Wonder if they will be hiring one for Rally GB or buying one for next season ;)

What Mini need is an equivalent for M-Sport Stobart, Mini has a lot of quite talented customers and it seems to be a shame that they have to waste their resources on Oliveria who probably did not collect much data for them in Australia. But this team should not be as full of Gimps and Gentlemen as the M-Sport Stobart operation.

[Plan9]

I'm not sure it was the same problem as Meeke because the stuck throttle was caused by a screw that came stuck between the pedal..

Onboard from Snijers in Ypres superb commitment from a 53 year old driver.

Onboard Patrick Snijers / Johan Gitsels John Cooper Works - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEi3vF7BYQk&feature=channel_video_title)

Impressive, what series does Snijers compete in now?

[GigiGalliNo1]

How many stages did he complete all together? (regarding he "did not collect much data" in australia...)

[Fly]

Impressive, what series does Snijers compete in now?

Belgian Rally Championship.

[Mintexmemory]

How many stages did he complete all together? (regarding he "did not collect much data" in australia...)

Well at least the Prodrive guys are getting used to fixing things they had no idea that someone would break!!

[bluuford]

Well at least the Prodrive guys are getting used to fixing things they had no idea that someone would break!!
Maybe this is the way to save some testing resources by Prodrive (Using Oliveira in crash testing). Even the color scheme looks similar:
http://blog.photocalorie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/crashtestdummy_1293127881.jpg

[danon]

MINI team have a different opinion on data collected -> MINI profitiert von Oliveiras Australien-Start | Automobil | MOTORSPORT aktuell (http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/automobil/mini-profitiert-von-oliveiras-australien-start-4008936.html)

[Plan9]

How many stages did he complete all together? (regarding he "did not collect much data" in australia...)
Well according to this source: BRAZILWRT | 2011 (http://www.brazilwrt.com/amplia_noticia.php?id_noti=160) He did not complete the final day.
My point was that if Prodrive wanted to make the development of the car more cost effective, couldn't they have taken Dani down with the BWRT car. He wouldn't have crashed and maybe got points. But then again, both Dani & Kris are completing shakedowns of all 13 rallies this year in Recce cars so I guess Prodrive will get something out of Australia (besides Oliveria's data).

[Barreis]

Can't wait for their next official outing on tarmac.

[logic]

Will they be doing rally GB?

[Barreis]

Aha.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I understand Plan9

Thank you :)

[Plan9]

Will they be doing rally GB?
Yes!!!

[bubbaontour]

Well according to this source: BRAZILWRT | 2011 (http://www.brazilwrt.com/amplia_noticia.php?id_noti=160) He did not complete the final day.
My point was that if Prodrive wanted to make the development of the car more cost effective, couldn't they have taken Dani down with the BWRT car. He wouldn't have crashed and maybe got points. But then again, both Dani & Kris are completing shakedowns of all 13 rallies this year in Recce cars so I guess Prodrive will get something out of Australia (besides Oliveria's data).

Seriously.. where do you people get your information from? this whole site is full of totaly fabricated bolloks and conjeture with about 5% actual fact. if you dont know something for a actual proper proven fact why post it?

[Barreis]

Bubba, how many mini's prodrive sold until today?

[Plan9]

That's a very good question Barreis. I'm keen to hear the answer.

[Sulland]

Would have been nice to have had the WRC 1600T equivalent of the S2000 database to check in.... ;)

[Plan9]

Of further interest would be how many Countryman Dakar SUVs (I think they have been underrated) have been produced for customers.

[noel157]

The season so far and future events with Meeke and Greg Strange:

WRC Kris Meeke - the Season so far... - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHziV0h7APM)

[rsmith16]

eWRC-results.com - archive and online results from WRC and rally (http://www.ewrc-results.com/cars.php?cid=14)

Best I can find so far...

[Plan9]

eWRC-results.com - archive and online results from WRC and rally (http://www.ewrc-results.com/cars.php?cid=14)

Best I can find so far...

I think it is fair to say from that source that there is still some work for Dave Richards and BMW-MINI to do. But it is still encouraging. It also looks like plenty of people in Europe are happy to use the cars, which is also nice. Thanks for finding this.

[noel157]

Testing for France last weekend:


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlcmsj_essais-pre-france-2011-sordo-del-barrio-meeke-nagle-mini-wrc_sport

[BDunnell]

I know it's early days yet for the Mini programme, but may I say how delighted I am to have had my instincts be proved wrong, and to see that the car is a competitive contender?

[N.O.T]

i doubt mini will be in the sport for more than 2 years.... I hope BMW enters a proper car after that instead of just pulling out.

Wake up..... or change sport....

[focus206]

Wake up..... or change sport....

:D :D :D good one

[Allyc85]

What a day for Mini :D

And I believe they are using a Mini WRC for course car duty on next weekends Cambrian Rally in north Wales :D

[focus206]

When was the last time someone else other than Citroen or Ford won a WRC round? Maybe Petter with Subaru in 2005, am I right?

[Franky]

When was the last time someone else other than Citroen or Ford won a WRC round? Maybe Petter with Subaru in 2005, am I right?

Grönholm in a Peugeot 307, 2005 Japan.

[N.O.T]

When was the last time someone else other than Citroen or Ford won a WRC round? Maybe Petter with Subaru in 2005, am I right?

don't be so hasty.....Mini hasn't won anything yet.

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhRekTv2em8

[focus206]

don't be so hasty.....Mini hasn't won anything yet.

Of course... but it looks good for next years!

[Plan9]

I know it's early days yet for the Mini programme, but may I say how delighted I am to have had my instincts be proved wrong, and to see that the car is a competitive contender?

I don't like to gloat but I did say that this project was going to turn into something AMAZING!!! What is even better is that Loeb is not in the race so we will have some EXCITEMENT on tarmac for only the second time in a good while.
:D :D :D

[Plan9]

Of course... but it looks good for next years!
Now all that Mini needs is to get its gravel settings worked out and get Meeke up to speed!!!!

[Plan9]

Of course... but it looks good for next years!
Now all that Mini needs is to get its gravel settings worked out and get Meeke up to speed!!!!

[Mirek]

Meeke was six years out of WRC. He just needs to gain experience with recent events.

[HaCo]

Wake up..... or change sport....

Thumb Up! :D

[Plan9]

Meeke was six years out of WRC. He just needs to gain experience with recent events.
+1 He is moving up the learning curve quite quickly though. I hope he does not experience any mechanical failures on this event!!

[koko0703]

Mini hasn't won anything yet, but it's so exciting to see a new team taking a fight against the chamiponship winning team.

[Plan9]

I'm sure the best is yet to come from Mini & their dirvers. I don't know how it will turn out but the Sordo_Ogier fight is making for very good motorsport.

[Barreis]

They need top gravel driver. Meeke is crashing a lot and Sordo is a perfect second driver at the moment.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Meeke is learning... Who else is a top driver they can use/steal!? :D

[Langdale Forest]

They need top gravel driver. Meeke is crashing a lot and Sordo is a perfect second driver at the moment.

Somebody who can beat the works Fords of JML and Hirvonen should not be called a 2nd driver.

[Nornbugger]

Meeke is learning... Who else is a top driver they can use/steal!? :D

Meeke doesnt seem to be learning, they blamed pacenote errors in Germany and for early errors in France, the final off looks like a pacenote error too, thats not good at this level, he may not have competed on WRC for a bit but he did all the recces last year did he not? I hope they can get it together very soon as he has great pace, hopefully GB will be good for him

[Barreis]

P.Solberg could be the right choice. At least for one season.

[Mirek]

Meeke is learning... Who else is a top driver they can use/steal!? :D

I believe that first Meeke is very important person in development of the car. There aren't many top drivers and designers in one person...

[Franky]

... he may not have competed on WRC for a bit but he did all the recces last year did he not?
One thing is to recce and the other thing is to go through the stage at full speed ;)

[Allyc85]

Didnt Ogier crash a lot at one point? How many people called for him to go?

[Nornbugger]

One thing is to recce and the other thing is to go through the stage at full speed ;)



really??? :D

Fair point Mirek

[Nornbugger]

Didnt Ogier crash a lot at one point? How many people called for him to go?


he has learned not to crash, people have been very restrained towards Meeke, he is a likebale guy and very quick, if he can get it together he could be a real contender at the front on any surface

[noel157]

Meeke doesnt seem to be learning, they blamed pacenote errors in Germany and for early errors in France, the final off looks like a pacenote error too, thats not good at this level, he may not have competed on WRC for a bit but he did all the recces last year did he not? I hope they can get it together very soon as he has great pace, hopefully GB will be good for him

No, no and no. The only event in this year's programme for Mini that Meeke recced last year was Sardinia so every event is new to him. As for saying "he may not have competed on WRC for a bit" A bit? Two events in his career before signing for Mini, GB in 05 finishing 9th and Ireland where he did not finish. Forget about JWRC, no comparison in a WRC car. As for the SS13 off yesterday, driver error, simple misjudgement of the corner, caught out on the gravel and dust.
Lastly, yes, let's hope the remaining two events are good to him.

[Plan9]

I think Meeke's crashes show that he is committed to being on the pace. This is very commendable as he is still a novice in terms of the WRC. I think that it is better to try and make the most of each rally as Meeke does then be like some of the other drivers and only go through the motions.
I am surprise that none of the current drivers have actually shown more interest in Mini. Petter would probably not get a Mini driver as there is alot of bad blood with Richards (similar to Wilson at M-Sport).

[m.lowe]

Meeke doesnt seem to be learning, they blamed pacenote errors in Germany and for early errors in France, the final off looks like a pacenote error too, thats not good at this level, he may not have competed on WRC for a bit but he did all the recces last year did he not? I hope they can get it together very soon as he has great pace, hopefully GB will be good for him

Let us know how you get on when you get your WRC car

[m.lowe]

Mini hasn't won anything yet, but it's so exciting to see a new team taking a fight against the chamiponship winning team.

Hasn't the Mini won on an Italian championship event?
did it not win the Richard Burns Memorial Rally

[focus206]

Hasn't the Mini won on an Italian championship event?
It won an Italian event, but not valid for the National championship.

[Nornbugger]

Let us know how you get on when you get your WRC car

that is an idiotic post.

I'm fine with people being happy with Meeke, I wish him well, but I do think he hits cars a little too often

[Nornbugger]

back to topic, its great to see another team compete at the front on merit, I'm pleasantly surprised at the way the Mini is progressing, I'd be surprised if it isnt good on wet UK gravel/mud too, Prodrive have a long history of cars working quite well there

[TyPat107]

You almost have to expect Meekes crashes, he IS McRae's protege after all right? :D
Besides, he got in the habit when he was trying to put the 207 on the pace of the Fabia.

Can't wait to see what the Mini will do in Spain.

[Plan9]

You almost have to expect Meekes crashes, he IS McRae's protege after all right? :D
Besides, he got in the habit when he was trying to put the 207 on the pace of the Fabia.

Can't wait to see what the Mini will do in Spain.

I think he takes Colin's mantra of "If in doubt flat out" very seriously. I mean, until he crashes or the car dies, Meeke usually set times that are comfortably within the top 10.

[N.O.T]

Meeke is a fast driver...but he doesn't control pressure too well....Lets hope he improves on that because he has the speed to be on par with Sordo on tarmac and he is faster on gravel. But if he continues like that his future is not too bright in the big division especially if those very nice results of mini attract the attention of BMW and they want something more serious...

As for the car itself its in a good path, still slower than Citroen and Latvala showed it might be a bit slower than Ford as well...but next year if they continue from where they left off i think they can do more podiums and maybe on other surfaces as well.

[306 Cosworth]

People seem to forget what McRae was like, oh and Ogier, and Latvala and many other blindingly quick drivers. Once again this forum shows how little people know and that they're just talking absolute bollox.

[N.O.T]

People seem to forget what McRae was like, oh and Ogier, and Latvala and many other blindingly quick drivers. Once again this forum shows how little people know and that they're just talking absolute bollox.

yes Mcare was like that....how many titles did he win ?? and how many manufacturer titles did the teams he was in won (none with ford and 3 with subaru and with citroen sainz and Loeb was the reason they won the title) ??

And lets not forget he was forced to retire at a rather early age.....

[Nornbugger]

No, no and no. The only event in this year's programme for Mini that Meeke recced last year was Sardinia so every event is new to him. As for saying "he may not have competed on WRC for a bit" A bit? Two events in his career before signing for Mini, GB in 05 finishing 9th and Ireland where he did not finish. Forget about JWRC, no comparison in a WRC car. As for the SS13 off yesterday, driver error, simple misjudgement of the corner, caught out on the gravel and dust.
Lastly, yes, let's hope the remaining two events are good to him.


Hi Noel, could you correct Kris please, seems he thinks that it was an over optimistic note that caused the crash.

I incorrectly thought he had recced all events last year, seems strange to me that he didnt, its not competing but it still helps to build knowledge.

Yall get a bit prickly when any says anything about Kris, I think for this forum anything said has been very mild, there are a lot of people who wish him well, just some are more blinkered than others.

[ste898]

yes Mcare was like that....how many titles did he win ?? and how many manufacturer titles did the teams he was in won (none with ford and 3 with subaru and with citroen sainz and Loeb was the reason they won the title) ??

And lets not forget he was forced to retire at a rather early age.....

Bull again from NOT

You are not fit too even speak Colins name.....

He is a legend and probably the most exciting driver ever

Part of rallying died forever with Colin!!!!!!!!