MINI WRC is the "Rally Car of the Year 2011".

AUTOSPORT readers were convinced of the class possessed by the MINI John Cooper Works WRC after just six outings in the recently completed 2011 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), and awarded the MINI as "Rally Car of the Year 2011". The majority were apparently agreed 'no car proved itself more at the highest level of rallying in 2011 than that of Dani Sordo, Kris Meeke and the MINI WRC Team'. What's more, is that this is the first time the title has been awarded to any manufacturer other than Citroen since 2007. - So we also congratulate the MINI WRC Team for such an accolade.

 

The award was presented to Dr. Kay Segler, head of MINI Brand Management and MINI WRC Team Principal David Richards, by double World Champion Carlos Sainz in front of over 1000 guests at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

 

"Wherever MINI has competed this year, it has seemed like all the fans have been cheering us on," said Dr. Segler. "It is, therefore, fitting that it is the fans and readers of AUTOSPORT that have voted the MINI WRC as the Rally Car of the Year."

 

David Richards: "This award caps what has been a truly memorable debut year for MINI in the World Rally Championship. This award is a testament to the dedication of the whole team behind the project in Banbury and the commitment of BMW and MINI who have fully supported the programme."

 

As well as the two MINI works cars, up to four private MINI cars were also in action in the 2011 WRC. By the end of 2011, 15 MINI WRC cars will have been delivered to customers and in 2012 it’s anticipated that there will be as many as 80 car starts for customer teams in the WRC. - We wish all a successful 2012 Rally season and will be watching the results closely, expecting a podium finish at the end of the 2012 WRC. 


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