The MINI WRC team finished up the final event of their abbreviated rally season this weekend in Wales at Rally Great Britain.
Kris Meeke – a native of Great Britain – finished 4th at the event, falling just short of his first podium finish, and the team’s 3rd. Meeke had been battling mechanical problems throughout the competition, but managed to climb his way out of 11th place and into 4th heading into the final stage. The impressive comeback was a product of some very aggressive driving by Meeke; unfortunately the risky strategy Meeke employed found him careening into a bank on the last stage, ending his hope for a podium finish. Meeke’s 4th place finish marked his best all season, but the accomplishment was bittersweet.
Kris Meeke:
“I blew it. I had pushed like crazy all morning to get the gap down and two seconds over four kilometers was just about possible. But I knew I had to push to the limit which means you can so easily get caught out. Unfortunately I did. It’s disappointing but fourth is not so bad.”
Meeke’s teammate Dani Sordo finished in 20th place despite posting the second fastest time on the event’s final Power Stage.
The team was pleased with the performance of both Meeke and Sordo, as well as the vehicles, which both managed to complete the race in one piece. MINI approached this year’s rally circuit with the intentions of testing their vehicles in preparation for the future. It seems safe to say that the future is bright for the MINI WRC Team.
David Richards, Team Principal:
“At the end of the day when I look back on this rally and think where we have come in six months – Dani and Kris have achieved five top five positions in only six events – quite honestly the team has come of age and this is only just the beginning for the MINI WRC Team.”
Dirk Hollweg, Head of MINI Motorsport:
“We are overwhelmed by the success of the team, which is much better than expected. We are very happy with the performance of the whole team and the drivers and we have a great spirit. This is of great benefit to the MINI and the John Cooper Works brand. This is exactly what we wanted.”
5-8 May 2011 Rally Italia - Meeke DNF; Sordo 6th (Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally Award)
28-31 July 2011 Rally Finland - Meeke DNF; Sordo DNF
18-21 August 2011 Rally Germany - Meeke DNF; Sordo 3rd (Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally Award)
29 September-2 October 2011 Rally France - Meeke DNF; Sordo 2nd
20-23 October 2011 Rally Spain - Meeke 5th; Sordo 4th (Meeke Power Stage Winner)
10-13 November 2011 Rally Great Britain - Meeke 4th; Sordo 20th
SIGN UP for the Latest Deals on MINI Parts & MINI News!
Please wait while we calculate your shipping cost.....