MINI WRC Team is possibly the most anticipated team to be featured in 2011 WRC calendar, for a few races, since they’re coming back after years of absence. It’s doubly interesting becasue they’re bringing along a WRC version of the Countryman crossover. They’ve also signed with Spanish driver Daniel “Dani” Sordo, who will team up with Kris Meeke (GB).
Dani Sordo is an experienced and successful WRC contender, having participated in the championship since 2003 and driving in the same team as Sébastien Loeb for several seasons. He is a former Junior World Rally Champion, and to date in the WRC has secured an impressive 29 podium finishes and 102 stage wins.
“There has been a great deal of excitement surrounding MINI’s return to the WRC, so to be part of this new team is a fantastic opportunity for me,” says the 27-year-old Sordo. “I’m sure MINI has a big future in the sport. I’m looking forward to working with Kris Meeke, having completed a very successful test with him in Sardinia last November.”
Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice President Brand Management MINI, says: “Both Dani and Kris fit well with the MINI brand, and can offer the MINI WRC programme not only experience and speed but also the right chemistry we need to build the team.”
“Dani may only be 27, but he is already one of the most experienced drivers in the WRC and has been competing at the very highest level for the last five years,” says David Richards, Chairman of Prodrive. “I believe with the new MINI WRC and in the right environment, he can now take the next step and add to his 29 podiums with victories on WRC events and become a challenger for a WRC title.”
Daniel Sordo fast facts
Born: 2nd May 1983/Torrelavega, Cantabria (ES) Nationality: Spanish Residence: Puente San Miguel, Cantabria (ES) Website: www.danielsordo.com Marital Status: Single Co-driver: Diego Vallejo (ES) FIA WRC career highlights.
2003 Spanish Junior Rally Champion 2004 P-WRC outings (Group N Mitsubishi Lancer) Spanish Junior Rally Champion 2005 J-WRC Champion (Citroën C2) and Spanish Champion 2006 World Rally Car debut (Kronos Citroën) 5th place WRC Drivers’ Championship, four podiums 2007 4th place WRC Drivers’ Championship (Citroën), seven podiums 2008 3rd place, WRC Drivers’ Championship (Citroën), six podiums 2009 3rd place WRC Drivers’ Championship (Citroën), seven podiums 2010 5th place WRC Drivers’ Championship (Citroën), five podiums FIA WRC statistics.
First WRC rally: 2003, Rally Catalunya WRC starts: 84 Podium places: 29 Stage wins: 102 Total points: 393
