Today is a big day for MINI, as it officially launches its return to international rallying with the MINI WRC Team. At an event to be held at the MINI plant in Oxford later this morning, guests and rally icons will welcome the brand’s return to the sport with all the razmatazz of a Mike Tyson comeback.
Many guests from the world of rallying and the international press have been invited, and they are in for a special treat as the MINI John Cooper Works WRC is unveiled in its final design for the first time.
Both factory driving teams of Dani Sordo/Carlos del Barrio and Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle have been diligently rehearsing over the weekend, and they’ll be joined by Mini rally legends from the 1960s, Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk.
This is not just any old press conference, but a real event with an exciting mixture of sporting professionalism and the lifestyle ambience so typical of MINI.
As well as meeting the key figures in the MINI WRC Team, the guests will also be treated to many musical and culinary highlights. The event will also feature action-packed surprises and a healthy portion of rally atmosphere – all under the motto “The Comeback”. It is almost half a century since MINI shook the rally scene when all said and done.
Online fans of the MINI WRC Team will also have something to smile about. The Team Launch, which you can follow on Facebook and Twitter (see below), will also mark the launch of an enhanced info package. As well as news items, you will also find more images of the new MINI John Cooper Works WRC and drivers there, as well as detailed information on the forthcoming races for the MINI WRC Team this season.
On 5th May the MINI WRC Team, armed with the new MINI John Cooper Works WRC, will join the current WRC season at the Rally d’Italia Sardegna.
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