It is three years since MINI United 2009 found a place in the hearts of MINI fans as the best MINI fan party of all time – so far. Tens of thousands made the pilgrimage to Silverstone to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MINI brand with a glittering event. Now, 2009's cult party looks set to be rivalled by another MINI event. From 11th to 13th May, the iconic "Circuit Paul Ricard" in Le Castellet will be a Mecca for MINI fans. "Friends. Festival. Racing" is the event's motto, and MINI maniacs from all over the world will be treated to an action-packed programme over the three days.

MINI United at the "Circuit Paul Ricard" – one of the most iconic racetracks in the world: there could be no more worthy venue for a MINI Motorsport family get-together. As well as the exhibition of MINI Motorsport cars, teams and drivers will be on hand to regale fans with stories of breathtaking journeys and races around the world, and to sign autographs.

Zone Blanche: Racing.

Motorsport fans will witness the birth of a new Italian MINI Clubsport series when the first round of the MINI RUSHOUR gets underway in France. Two 30-minute races are scheduled, and promise to provide all-out racing action. A further five races in this new series are set to be held at selected circuits around Italy by mid September.

Fans of the MINI Challenge are in for a double treat in Le Castellet, as the MINI Trophy also lines up. Its German counterpart is already into its second round of the 2012 season. Jürgen Schmarl, who won the season-opener in Oschersleben, will be the man to beat in France. As well as the sporting action, fans at the "Circuit Paul Ricard" will also be able to enjoy a fringe programme that leaves no wish unfulfilled.

The MINI Track Drives allows fans to take their own cars onto a former Formula One circuit and get a taste of what it feels like out on the track. Ten MINI drivers at a time will line up behind the Pace Car to experience the full length of the "Circuit Paul Ricard" in their own MINIs. Registration for this genuine adrenalin boost is in the main tent.

MINI Karting also requires fans to put their foot down. Every MINI driver has experienced that go-kart feeling behind the wheel of his dearly beloved. Here, however, that karting feeling is taken to the max as the karts fly around the extensive kart circuit at full speed. The Karting Zone is free to register for and is open from Friday to Sunday.

The MINI Test Drives will also set pulses racing. The route for the test drives runs through the beautiful hilly landscape in the south of France. First up, however, is a test course to familiarise oneself with the MINI test cars and to pick up the odd handling trick from the instructors. All that remains then is to enjoy that special MINI feeling on the roads of Provence. Friday to Sunday. Registration in the Test Drive Centre at the airfield.

Those wishing to take their driving skills to the next level in their own MINI can do just that at the MINI Fun & Agility Training. Specially trained MINI driving instructors will help MINI drivers practice specific moves and learn how to react correctly under certain circumstances, ensuring they stay cool in everyday situations. Those interested in the MINI Fun & Agility Training can register for a fee in the main tent, which is open from Friday to Sunday.

Huge live music acts rock the masses.

The many musical acts featuring on the fringe programme at MINI United 2012 are guaranteed to make MINI fans lose their cool. "Gossip", with lead singer Beth Ditto, have taken the music world by storm with their combination of funk, electro, disco and punk. Rock legend Iggy Pop is ready to put on a typically wild live show with "Iggy and the Stooges".

The "Naive New Beaters" will wow the crowds with their beats in a unique crossover of various different musical genres. Following the recent release of their new album "Freedom Run", which raises the bar with its rocky guitar sound, "The Rifles" will entertain fans with their uncompromising Indie rock.

There are those, for whom the awesome sounds will merely provide excellent background music as they discover the huge festival site. These fans will not only be able to check out all the MINI Motorsport cars, but will also be treated to stunt shows, original MINI do-it-yourself models, and the latest member of the MINI family – the powerful MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

In short: MINI United 2012 will be bigger and better than ever before. And, last but not least, you will also get a sneak preview of a soon-to-be-released new MINI. You can find more information and tickets for MINI United 2012 here: http://bit.ly/MINIunited2012