The MINI WRC team is off to a good start in Rally France, their second asphalt rally of the year, with Sordo and Meeke staying in third and fourth overall after the first stages.
There's been an action-packed morning on day one of Rally France from which Dani Sordo will start the afternoon in a brilliant third place, just ahead of team mate Kris Meeke.
The MINI WRC team is off to a good start in Rally France, their second asphalt rally of the year, with Sordo and Meeke staying in third and fourth overall after the first stages.
There's been an action-packed morning on day one of Rally France from which Dani Sordo will start the afternoon in a brilliant third place, just ahead of team mate Kris Meeke.
The team came to France with raised expectations after Dani Sordos outstanding podium finish at Rally Germany, showing the speed of the new MINI Countryman WRC on asphalt roads. Technical Director Dave Wilcock explained before the rally he belives another podium finish is a realistic target for the team in this rally.
"Primarily we are looking to confirm that the pace we saw in Germany was not an one-off, he said. "Dani finished Rally France in second place last year and the nature of this rally is one he excels on, so repeating a podium finish is a realistic target. As for Kris he is at a slight disadvantage as he did not compete on this rally last year. I have however every confidence he will be setting a good pace."
Dani Sordo was upbeat before the start of the rally which has shown in his times on the first stages. He said before the rally he enjoys Rally France and it has a profile that is similar to the German rally and as such suits him well.
"The surface is constantly changing here which makes this rally very technically demanding. A hilly rally awaits us, particurarly in the forest sections. Personally I like Rally France," Dani said.
Kris Meeke has had a rough start to his campaign this year with retirements due to technical reasons. But he has shown good pace at every round and will likely be in contention for a strong finish at the end of the rally.
"I did not line up for this rally in 2010 so it is completely new for me. However, I have done plenty of testing in this region so I know waht to expect."
Öhlins will follow the progress of team via their twitter Twitter.com/MINImotorsport so make sure you keep up to speed as well. We wish our partners at Prodrive and the MINI WRC team the best of luck for Rally France!