Combine the illustrious rally history of MINI with the experience of Prodrive and skills of world-class drivers, and there can be only one result: a strong team, more particularly the MINI WRC Team. Following its sensational victories in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967, the time is ripe for yet another chapter to be written in the illustrious MINI rally history.

Development of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC and the FIA World Rally Championship campaign have been entrusted by the brand to the British specialist company Prodrive. Chairman David Richards is surrounded by a 500-strong team – from mechanics to composites experts – with approximately one-third currently dedicated to the build up of the team.

The test team consists of a complement of 15 people: seven engineers and eight technicians, that work on constantly improving the car. Their multi-purpose Team Truck serves not only as transporter for the equipment and the cars, but as mobile workshop, too.

For European rallies the team plans to use two truck, one for each car. In addition, a spare truck will accompany the team, as will a tyre transporter and a unit specifically designed to carry the team’s service park equipment. In total 30 tonnes of freight will be transported to each event.

Closely working together with Technical Director David Lapworth, Technical Director Dave Wilcock is overseeing development of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC, additionally supervising the test programme and co-ordinating on-event matters. Regarding the engine, the MINI WRC Team relies on the know-how of BMW Motorsport. The 1.6-litre turbo engine with direct injection from the MINI series models was developed by BMW Motorsport for use in a variety of motorsport series, including the FIA World Touring Car Championship.