MINI Drivers Expect Tough Start in Rally Italy

There is one more week remaining until Rally Italy opens its doors for WRC action this year, marking the official return of the MINI brand in the FIA's premier rallying series. And apart from the diehard fans of the British brand, there's no one in the world more eager to take the new John Cooper Works WRC to the road than the staff at Prodrive, beginning with official race drivers Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo.

Sharing his thoughts to the fans in a preview for the Italian event, scheduled between May 5-8 in Sardegna, former Citroen works driver Dani Sordo admitted excitement over finally getting to take the pulse of his new rally car in an official outing. However, he reckons the characteristics of the Italian roads will make it even more difficult for MINI to keep the pace with the frontrunners next weekend.

“It is a tricky rally with narrow roads that can be very slippery,” said the Spaniard. “Some are twisty and some are fast. Also there is a lot of loose gravel on top of the surface and, once the early cars have been over, there is usually just the one line you can take.”

“Often there are also large stones on the side of the road. I am very excited, like everyone in the team, but also quite nervous as we don’t know what to expect. It is really great to be starting the new programme with the new car.”

Teammate Kris Meeke echoed those comments, while adding that his recent experience on the roads of the island should help him stay competitive throughout the weekend.

“I have relatively recent experience as I was lucky enough last year to do this event when it was in the IRC and also did the Rally Costa Smeralda on the island,” said Meeke.

“This is particularly good for me when going there in a new venture with a new rally car. We obviously have lots to learn about the WRC car. It is a tough rally to start out with the new car and will be a big test for the new team. At the end of the day only time will tell.”

A couple of customer MINI Countryman WRCs have already debuted in the series in Portugal, where local hero Armindo Araujo retired after SS12 in order to avoid causing further damage to his engine, while Brazilian driver Daniel Oliveira suffered a failed driveshaft early on.