However, before saying “Yes” to the BMW-backed company – whose WRC-spec Countryman he's expected to test in the upcoming few days – Sordo confirmed he'll be waiting for a sign from Ford.
“I will wait a little bit for Ford, but not long. It's not fair to Mini,” revealed the Spaniard. He admitted that the only reason why he would be tempted to sign for Ford rather than Mini is that he'd prefer a full-time programme in 2011, whereas the newly WRC entrant will only sign up for selected events next year, before making a full-time comeback in 2012.
“Nothing is decided at the moment, but Mini is a good idea - with a big company like BMW behind it. I would like to develop the car, that's a good thing, but I also need to be driving a lot next year and this is not the full programme.”
Sordo is not the only big name on Mini's list for next season, as it is believed Kimi Raikkonen has also been contacted by the British carmaker. However, such a deal may not be possible in 2011 but only a year after, when the Finn's main backer Red Bull is rumored to join Mini's efforts in the WRC.
As far as Ford is concerned, the UK-based team has already confirmed Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen for the 2011 WRC season, but motorsport chief Gerard Quinn revealed back in August that Ford may be willing to switch to a 3-car effort for the upcoming campaign (once the team will debut its 1.6-litre turbocharged Fiesta WRC). Another possibility would be for Ford to offer Sordo a place in their satellite Stobart M-Sport team for 2011, with the prospect of joining the works squad in the years to come.
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