After being ousted from Citroen to make room for French driver Sebastien Ogier, Sordo started flirting with the idea of joining either the newly-formed MINI WRC Team or Ford World Rally Team. Needless to say, the Spaniard initially fancied a move to the latter, as it would have given him access to all rounds of the 2011 season.
However, considering his closeness to the MINI team recently, which will field a Countryman WRC car in at least 6 rounds of the 2011 WRC campaign, Sordo decided to do a part-time programme with the Banbury-based team this season, guiding the team through its return to the series.
“There has been a great deal of excitement surrounding MINI’s return to the WRC, so to be part of this new team is a fantastic opportunity for me,” said the 27-year old in a press release.
“I’m sure MINI has a big future in the sport. I’m looking forward to working with Kris Meeke, having completed a very successful test with him in Sardinia last November,” he added.
Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI, also showed his enthusiasm over signing the man who has driven alongside 7-time world champion Sebastien Loeb for the past 4 years.
“Both Dani and Kris fit well with the MINI brand, and can offer the MINI WRC programme not only experience and speed but also the right chemistry we need to build the team,” said Armbrecht.
“Dani may only be 27, but he is already one of the most experienced drivers in the WRC and has been competing at the very highest level for the last five years. I believe with the new MINI WRC and in the right environment, he can now take the next step and add to his 29 podiums with victories on WRC events and become a challenger for a WRC title,” added Prodrive boss David Richards.
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