After a 40+ year absence from the World Rally Championship (WRC), MINI has confirmed that they will enter their new Countryman AWD 4-door crossover into the 2011 season. The number of races and its debut event in 2011 is still yet to be determined, but they are set to race the full season in 2012.

Developed in cooperation with Prodrive, the MINI Countryman WRC will use a BMW Motorsport sourced 1.6L turbo engine aligning with the FIA’s new Super2000 regulations which stipulate the use of turbocharged 1,600cc 4-cylinder engines. The car has been in development since 2009 and will be tested starting this fall. MINI will also make the Countryman WRC available to customer teams.

“I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go,” states Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board of Management member.

It will certainly be nice to see a new manufacturer in the WRC since the current field consists of mainly Fords and Citroens.