WRC

22 January 2012

"We scored an impressive result".

Returning to the Rally Monte Carlo where the MINI brand was so successful in the 1960s was something special for the MINI WRC Team. Dani Sordo finishing second overall made the return even more special.

Dirk Hollweg, Head of MINI Motorsport: "I am very happy that the brand has returned to this legendary event and scored a very impressive result with not just Dani on the podium, but also Pierre really doing a great job for such a relatively inexperienced driver. It was even more gratifying for us to see the results of the other members of the MINI Motorsport family, as the privateers also put in some impressive results. The fans are always really enthusiastic here and make a special atmosphere on the entire rally. They really welcomed us back to our old hunting ground, and we were proud to give them this result."

Dave Wilcock, Team Principal: "This is my first event as Team Principal so to get a second in Monte Carlo with the MINI WRC Team is absolutely fantastic. Obviously we are all extremely pleased. We had all our fingers crossed wanting to get through the Power Stage with no problems. Dani was fourth quickest through it, which is fine, even though we were hoping for another drivers’ championship point, but what you want doesn’t always happen! We are extremely happy with the result as both Dani and Pierre have done very good jobs for the team. The whole team has worked so hard for this and it is well deserved."

Dani Sordo (MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 37): "We had no problems at all today. Yesterday I was ‘sleeping’ a little bit in the stages so lost a bit of time to Petter, but I am happy with the result. This is great for both me and the team. I think the crucial decision was the tyres we used on day three when we had snow on stage12. Petter (Solberg) lost time to me there and this was really important, as to be honest we took it a bit carefully and he was fast. Without this stage he would have been really close. Being second for the second time for our new team is really, really good."

Pierre Campana (MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 52): "I have really enjoyed this rally. It is a very good result for me and I have made good progress on every day. The car really feels nice and I am happy with this performance, which is my best WRC result. The Power Stage was very narrow and twisty, and it was unfortunate I had a problem with the power steering. As you can imagine this made turning the car a bit difficult."

Eliseo Salazar
Salazar celebrates in the MINI WRC.
Eliseo Salazar

Salazar celebrates in the MINI WRC.

Arriving at the finish was Eliseo Salazar’s target for the Rally Argentina. To end as highest-placed MINI driver in the rally was something even he had not expected.

Read more
MINI Stars
The lowdown on MINI Stars
MINI Stars

MINI Stars.

The MINI Motorsport family is large and embraces the whole world. Find out more about the MINI Stars worldwide.

To MINI Stars
Armindo Araujo (photo: S. Monti)
Time cushion for Araujo in the MINI WRC.
Armindo Araujo (photo: S. Monti)

Time cushion for Araujo in the MINI WRC.

Although Armindo Araujo relinquished ninth place in the Rally Argentina on Saturday, the chances are good he will still achieve his target on the final day of the rally.

Read more
MINI John Cooper Works
MINI John Cooper Works.
MINI John Cooper Works

MINI John Cooper Works.

Ultimate cornering, breathtaking acceleration.

Find out more
Armindo Araujo (photo: S. Monti)
Araujo secures a top ten place.
Armindo Araujo (photo: S. Monti)

Araujo secures a top ten place.

A trouble-free day sees Armindo Araujo and his MINI WRC secure a place at the sharp end of the Rally Argentina. Thus the Portuguese driver heads all MINI WRC drivers.

Read more
The powerhouse
The powerhouse.
The powerhouse

The powerhouse.

A car built for victory. The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge races across the track at 240 km/h.

Read more
 
 
Close X