Priaulx and Mini: “Simple discovery”

The links that unite Mini to BMW no longer need to be remembered, it is not illogical to find Andy Priaulx, BMW driver, at the wheel of the Mini Coutryman WRC. This car, derived from the production SUV, will allow the English brand to make its return to the World Rally Championship during the 2011 season. David Richards' company Prodrive will operate it.

In addition to taking the wheel of the Mini WRC, Andy Priaulx was able to count on the wise advice of Kris Meeke, the first Mini driver official for the 2011 season. “I had a lot of fun,” commented Andy Priaulx for wrc.com , after his tests aboard the Mini WRC. “It was fantastic to have Kris Meeke there, he was able to show me the rope points and then he was brave enough to ride alongside me when I was driving the car. It really is a lovely little car and I'm sure the program will be a success. It was an incredible opportunity and I can never thank David Richards enough for giving me this wonderful opportunity. »

Triple WTCC champion, Andy Priaulx, however, made it clear that these tests were not a prelude to a possible reconversion. “Before anyone starts to think that I'm going to go from the circuit to rally, I would like to remind you that this is a simple discovery and that I cannot imagine fighting against rally drivers at this stage of my career! »

However, Andy Priaulx will no longer drive in the WTCC next year. Indeed, BMW has stopped its official involvement in the discipline, focusing more on customer competition. The Briton should continue his collaboration with BMW in endurance races. In the WRC, Mini will count on Kris Meeke and, probably, Dani Sordo.