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MINI WRC Named 2011 Rally Car of the Year

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Posted On: Dec 8, 2011 By: Charles Kayajian Category: MINI Cooper News

The MINI WRC vehicle was named the 2011 Rally Car of the Year at last weekend’s AUTOSPORT Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

MINI WRC

The MINI team and the WRC Countryman made a strong and lasting impression on the world of motorsport this year, proving itself worthy of this heralded award after appearing in only 6 FIA World Rally Championship events this season. In those six appearances, MINI earned two podium finishes and seven special stage victories.

“Wherever MINI has competed this year, it has seemed like all the fans have been cheering us on,” said Dr. Kay Segler, head of MINI Brand Management. “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.”

In winning the 2011 Rally Car of the Year Award, MINI dethroned Citroen manufacturing, a considerable achievement made more impressive by the fact that a Citroen vehicle has won the award each year since 2007.

MINI WRC Team Principal David Richards had the following comment:

“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 … and the commitment of BMW and MINI who have fully supported the program.”

2011 Rally Car of the Year Ceremony