Events News
BMC Daily 
BMC Events More Information
Mini Fair 
Showdown 
How Do I Join and Payments
Smiffys Mini Bits 
Mini Shop Meet the New MINI JCW GP - fastest MINI ever!!
Big on performance, small in number: The MINI John Cooper Works GP. Fastest MINI ever built – Best lap of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife: 8 min. 23 sec. – Extensive use of motor sport technology – Racing feeling transferred to the road – Revealed to the public at the MINI United festival – Production limited to 2,000 cars.
The new MINI JCW GP has been long awaited by many MINI fans, we know of one GP owner who has been counting down the days to the unveil on Facebook!! To go around the Nurburgring nearly 19 seconds quicker is quite incredible. Even Top Gears Jeremy Clarkson would be struggling to beat that time :) We have a feeling the engine will be tuned to at least 250bhp as the same engine is the Citroen running 250bhp... Below is the MINI press release, can't wait to see some videos on You Tube. Check out the gallery below as well of this incredible MINI. Maybe not to the Classic Mini owners taste but we love it!!
Only once has there been anything like it, but even that wasn’t as quick. With the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the British premium brand has come up with another car of exceptional talent designed to deliver extreme performance on both the race track and the road. The sportiest road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a limited run of 2,000 cars. It is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production, part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.
Underpinning the performance characteristics of the MINI John Cooper Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motor sport. Its twin-scroll turbo engine generates outstanding torque, displays remarkable elasticity and demonstrates a healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race suspension channels this superlative output into spectacular yet precisely controllable handling.
As well as being undeniably imposing visually, the design of the body also gives the MINI John Cooper Works GP ideal aerodynamic balance in extreme driving situations – a key element in delivering that handling flair. Large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP also contributes to the car’s inspirational racing feeling; with the rear seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and co-driver.
Concentrated motor sport expertise – faithfully embodied at MINI by its John Cooper Works sub-brand – is the not-so-secret ingredient in the MINI John Cooper Works GP recipe. The “GP” tag on the model title tells you exactly where the extreme sports edition of the compact MINI most tellingly reveals its potential. The GP’s chassis configuration, the effectiveness of its race-spec braking system, the grip offered by its likewise bespoke racing tyres, and its aerodynamic properties have been honed into a high-performance whole on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, erstwhile venue for Formula One races and lauded as the world’s most challenging race track. The noteworthy lap time set by the MINI John Cooper Works GP is the product of this extensive testing programme.
The unadulterated transfer of motor sport expertise into the everyday driving environment has history at MINI; it was this approach that made the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit the epitome of extreme driving fun in a small car when it was unveiled in 2006. Specific output of 100 kW/136 hp per litre of displacement and similarly impressive reserves of racing technology have secured its status as a sought-after collector’s item today.
The MINI John Cooper Works GP follows eagerly in the tyre tracks of its predecessor – and with an even greater spring in its step. It will be in similarly short supply; the world will have to make do with just 2,000 examples. Hosting the preview of the new model is another grand prix race track with history etched into every corner. The MINI John Cooper Works GP will be unveiled publicly for the first time at Le Castellet in France, venue for the MINI United festival on 11 – 13 May 2012.
MINI partners Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour
MINI signs up as partner of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012. The sporting sub-brand John Cooper Works will be ringside for the upcoming six spectacular events in the world of freestyle motocross.
Breathtaking motocross stunts, sensational locations and top-class events lie in wait as the world’s elite freestyle motocross riders limber up for a new season of Red Bull X-Fighters. And this year the international motocross stars will be supported by a partner whose global brand experience is likewise all about making pulses race among its enthusiastic and demanding fans. The involvement in the Tour of John Cooper Works, the sporting sub-brand of MINI, adds another chapter to a MINI/Red Bull partnership that can already look back on years of success.
For Ralf Schepull, Head of MINI Brand Communication, the appetite of John Cooper Works for imposing horsepower and ultra-sporty kit makes it an ideal partner for a series like the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour. “Red Bull and the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012 are a perfect fit for the John Cooper Works brand,” says Schepull. “After all, both partners pride themselves on being unconventional and uproarious, power-packed and action-packed. Together they make an impressive team.”
The John Cooper Works experience – also found on the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012
The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012 will see the world’s leading freestyle motocross riders compete for prized championship points in front of enthusiastic crowds at six events spread over four continents. And the John Cooper Works sub-brand will add its own flavour to the Tour with some very special attractions of its own. For example, MINI customers can win a trip to one of the events and experience the inimitable world of John Cooper Works live when they get there.
A tour for the best of the best
Only the world’s premiere freestyle motocross riders qualify for a place on the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour. Invitations are handed out based on a rider’s results from preceding seasons and performances in other top-tier events. The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012 will kick off in Dubai on 13 April, before visiting Glen Helen in the USA (12 May), Istanbul (16 June), Madrid (20 July), Munich (11 August) and Sydney (6 October).
MINI Inspired by Goodwood on display at Harrods
The MINI Inspired by Goodwood is the most ambitious and luxurious special edition model the brand has ever launched. To celebrate delivery of the first customer cars, a single example is going on display in prime position at Harrods, the world’s most aspirational shopping destination.
The MINI which takes inspiration from the design team at Rolls Royce Motor Cars, forms part of a specially created window display. It is also visible from inside the iconic Knightsbridge store, allowing shoppers, pedestrians and drivers on the busy Brompton Road to see it.
The window features a beautiful manor house and gates, providing a quintessentially British backdrop to showcase the MINI. Inside Harrods, display screens provide information about the car, with a selection of swatches and samples of the premium interior trims used in the cabin. A member of staff from MINI’s flagship Park Lane showroom will be on hand so customers can find out more or even place an order.
Highlighting the exclusive and limited edition nature of the MINI Inspired by Goodwood, the MINI logo and the words ‘1 of 1000’ will be projected on to the pavement outside the window every night. The scene will be on display for two weeks starting from Easter Sunday, 8 April.
Guy Cheston, Harrods Director of Media Sale commented, “Harrods is delighted to be showcasing such an iconic British brand. The store attracts an average of 42,000 visitors every day from over 130 different countries every month. What better place than Harrods to showcase the most luxurious production MINI has ever built to a truly global audience.”
The MINI Inspired by Goodwood is a special edition model like no other. Announced at last April’s Shanghai Motor Show, it brings together the unparalleled fun and character of MINI with the outstanding quality of materials and bespoke workmanship that come as standard with any Rolls-Royce Motor Car
The dashboard, centre console, air vents, carpets, heated leather seats, roof lining, doors and interior cladding are all finished in the exclusive Rolls-Royce colour Cornsilk. The dashboard and door handle surfaces are of Walnut Burr, a premium wood trim bespoke to Rolls-Royce.
No expense or attention to detail has been spared on the car. The roof linings, sun visors and rear storage tray are all made of luxurious cashmere, with deep-pile lambs wool used to make the floor mats.
Power comes from MINI’s acclaimed l.6-litre 135 kW/184 hp four-cylinder petrol engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve control. The unit, which also powers the MINI Cooper S, is the most efficient in its displacement class.
The exterior of the MINI Inspired by Goodwood is finished in the exclusive Rolls-Royce colour Diamond Black metallic, and the car rides on 17-inch light alloy multi-spoke wheels. It is only available in MINI Hatch body style.
Standard equipment includes Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, automatic air conditioning, an onboard computer, MINI Navigation and the MINI Radio Visual Boost audio system, which includes a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system.
The MINI Inspired by Goodwood is priced £41,005 and can be ordered through official retailers. The price includes a comprehensive five-year servicing package, MINI TLC.
Its Here!! MINI Countryman JCW - Extreme Driving
Its finally here.. we know the Countryman is not every MINI fans cup of tea, but after its success in the WRC championship at Monte Carlo Rally earlier this year perhaps its starting to create its own niche in the world of the MINI. A fire breathing 211bhp John Cooper Works is enough to give any Ford Focus RS, Impreza or maybe an EVO a run for its money..For extreme driving fun in all conditions the MINI Countryman JCW could grace any drive. The story unfolds below.. Check out the full gallery at the bottom of the page.
The MINI family is constantly expanding, and new additions have also been made to the range of John Cooper Works models available to customers. For the first time, MINI racing-inspired thrills can be experienced in combination with all-wheel drive. The global introduction of the MINI John Cooper Works will get under way in autumn 2012.
The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, will be fitted as standard with the all-wheel-drive system known as ALL4, and powered by a newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 211 hp. This new combination assures the driver of extreme driving fun on any terrain. The John Cooper Works Countryman is also the first John Cooper Works model available for order with a six-speed automatic gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual.
With powertrain and chassis technology developed calling on the brand’s vast motor sport expertise built into the first MINI with five doors and four/five seats, MINI will deliver its John Cooper Works presence in another new segment… complete with all of the customary handling characteristics and sporty appearance the brand is known for.
The Countryman, MINI’s first five-seater, already shares the racing genes which define the character of every MINI, and now the John Cooper Works polishes these inherent talents to really shine. The new engine brings another hike in output, transferred onto the road with impressive style by the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The John Cooper Works suspension ensures every change in direction is imbued with addictive agility. The MINI John Cooper Works sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds. While U.S. fuel economy figures are not yet available, average fuel consumption of 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers / 39.2 mpg imp in the EU test cycle represents an outstanding return when you consider the performance on offer (automatic transmission: 8.0 liters/100 km and 35.3 mpg imp).
Note: performance and fuel consumption figures are provisional.
The distinctive style of the sixth John Cooper Works model in the MINI line-up is also expressed through the car’s design, including the exclusive selection of paint finishes, light-alloy wheels and interior materials available for order. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is equipped as standard with an aerodynamic kit, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes and door sills bearing the John Cooper Works logo. The color Chili Red can be specified as a contrasting paint finish for the roof and exterior mirrors. And Chili Red flourishes for the interior, such as in the exclusive design of the sports seats, also add a distinctive flavor to the sports car ambience carried over from the other John Cooper Works models.
The most powerful member of a new generation: the engine in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.
The motor sport roots of John Cooper Works are reflected in a constant thirst for new performance benchmarks. This ambition has inspired even more power from the new four-cylinder engine in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, as well as ensuring further gains in efficiency. The latest generation of the twin-scroll turbocharged engines benefit from both direct injection and a variable valve control system based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. This throttle-free load control development significantly improves both the engine’s responsiveness and its efficiency. Reinforced pistons and intake valves, and further optimization of the cooling, air supply and exhaust gas discharge system, enable further increases in output and torque. Added to which, the 1.6-liter engine’s turbocharger is given a particularly large intercooler.
The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman’s engine reaches its maximum output of 211 hp at 6,000 rpm and generates peak torque of 207 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,600 rpm. The Overboost function briefly pushes this figure up to 221 lb-ft between 2,100 and 5,200 rpm. The sports exhaust system – its slanting tailpipe embellishers providing an extra dose of the hallmark John Cooper Works design – gives this outstanding power delivery the one-of-a-kind soundtrack it deserves.
All-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox are both offered for a John Cooper Works model for the first time in this vehicle. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is the first model to send the extreme output from its motor sport-inspired engine through all four wheels.
The new car’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system uses an electromagnetic center differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles. This ensures the engine’s power always finds its way to where it can be converted most effectively into forward motion. In normal driving conditions, the MINI’s intelligent ALL4 system directs all of the engine’s power to the front tires, and up to 50 percent of its power can be diverted automatically to the rear wheels when driving conditions require it. This provides a traction-led expression of the handling talents for which MINI is famed, ensuring maximum directional stability and dynamic performance whatever the weather and road conditions. Together, the engine’s imposing power and
the added John Cooper Works technology employ to harness it lay on a full-blooded brand of driving fun.
The market launch of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is complemented by another MINI powertrain premiere, the introduction of an optional six-speed automatic gearbox for John Cooper Works customers as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual. Detailed tweaks have been made to both the gearboxes themselves and the clutch for the manual variant to take into account the extra engine power, and ensure outstanding performance and efficiency. The manual and automatic versions of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 and 7.5 seconds respectively on the way to a top speed of 127 mph.
Sporting flair, John Cooper Works style: chassis, aerodynamics, design and interior.
Chassis technology including a front axle with MacPherson struts, central-arm rear axle, Electric Power Steering and a model-specific, exceptionally high-performance braking system is also in keeping with the sporty character of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. The standard sports suspension includes particularly stiff spring and damper settings, strengthened anti-roll bars and a 10-millimeter drop in ride height. The standard-fitted DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) includes DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode.
Pressing the likewise standard Sport Button tweaks the engine responses, the character of its soundtrack and adjusts the power assistance provided by the steering.
18-inch Twin Spoke light-alloy wheels with polished spoke fronts and black
rim wells are fitted as standard. 19-inch light-alloy wheels – also designed exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman – can be ordered as an option.
The muscular front and rear aprons and bespoke side skirts of the standard specification aerodynamic kit ensure visual impact and optimized airflow. Customers can choose from seven colors for the exterior paintwork. A contrasting paint finish can be specified for the roof and exterior mirror caps – in the Chili Red shade exclusive to John Cooper Works models, as well as Light White and Jet Black. Also available as an option are Sport Stripes in the same colors. The John Cooper Works logo on the radiator grille, tailgate and door sill strips and near the side indicators highlight the car’s identity even more clearly.
The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also comes with additional sporting touches as standard. Sports seats in Diagonal Track Carbon Black cloth trim with red contrast stitching have been designed specifically for the new model; while options such as the similarly exclusive sports seats with Lounge Leather trim in Carbon Black Championship Red can also be ordered. The trim strips around the cockpit, door panels and center console come in Piano Black as standard. The optional Chili Red trim elements, meanwhile, are exclusive to the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and include red flourishes for the cockpit and doors, and red stripes for the black trim elements on the center console. Added to this are the sports steering wheel with red contrast stitching and John Cooper Works logo, the dark speedometer and rev counter dials, anthracite-colored roof liner, gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering, red contrast stitching for the gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats with red stitching add further depth to the sports car ambience.
Shopaholics Storm New MINI Store in London
SHOPAHOLICS STORM NEW MINI STORE AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY MINI opens its first pop-up store in one of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations.
February 2012 saw MINI open its doors to a completely new retail adventure at Westfield Stratford City. The MINI pop-up, which will be open for 12 months only, will showcase the two newest MINI models, the MINI Coupé and the MINI Countryman and will also sell a full range of MINI lifestyle merchandise. The store is the first of its kind in the UK, bringing the much loved British car brand out of the traditional dealership setting and onto the high street.
During its first few days in business the store which is a joint venture between MINI UK and the dealership group Sytner, has already attracted over 4000 visitors.
The Store showcases the latest in retail technology, customers can use the UK‟s first 3D car configurator to create their very own MINI, and if they catch the MINI bug they can request a test drive at their local dealership. The MINI Store also features a clever interactive mirror allowing shoppers to try on outfits without removing their clothes.
The MINI Store is located on the walk way to the Olympic Park, a prime location to entice Westfield‟s 850,000* visitors per week, and stocks the very latest products from the 2012 MINI Collection, including the brand new „Beat the Street‟ clothing line, John Cooper Works apparel, MINI luggage and even an electric MINI Convertible for children.
The store has created 12 new jobs, which have all been recruited from the local area and have been fully trained by MINI, equipping them to deliver first class customer service.
Jochen Goller, Director MINI UK said “The MINI Store in Westfield Stratford City is an exciting new approach for our brand, for the first time we are giving shoppers the opportunity to browse the latest MINI models in a retail setting which is completely removed from the established car showroom environment. In addition, since MINI launched just over 10 years ago we have developed a massive community of fans and enthusiasts for whom MINI is much more than just a car brand. These fans love to accessorise their cars and their lives with everything from miniature MINI fridge magnets to MINI folding bikes, so we are delighted to make the full range of products available for the first time on the high street. Over the next year we will be listening to and learning from what visitors to the Westfield store have to say about what they expect from their car retail experience.”
Myf Ryan, General Manager Marketing Westfield UK said: “We are delighted to welcome MINI to Westfield Stratford City. As a cutting edge, contemporary brand, MINI is ideally suited to Westfield Stratford City‟s young and trend conscious consumer. This unique venture highlights the versatility of the centre to adapt to the needs of our retailers - now, through the Games and beyond.” See the gallery below for more images from the new shop
Ben Gridley Aiming High In MINI Challenge
The British Mini Club are this year proud to help sponsor and promote seventeen year old racing driver Ben Gridley from Faversham. Ben has ambitions to become one of the country’s top performers in the coming years. Our club logo will be seen on the roof of Bens MINI around the country in 2012.
Gridley spent 2011 racing in the Mini Championship Challenge, part of the MSVR series of races and has ambitions to win the title in 2012:
“It’s going to be an exciting year as I do my second year in the Mini Challenge in Club Class. Hopefully if all goes well this season I can go for the title.”
Last year proved to be a difficult one for the seventeen year old though, as funding problems restricted him to just four races, but he hopes to find the money to be involved for the whole season:
“No Motor sport is cheap really. Minis can be expensive, but it’s worth it. The thrill you get from it, it’s just pure excitement. My first race last year I was nervous, but once I got out on the grid I was excited.”
“I want to get that feeling again and raise the budget needed to be in there this season.”
Most people would normally name someone such as Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button as their inspiration for getting into driving, but Gridley admitted it was someone much closer to home:
“My mum’s side of the family got me into racing and I think my first trip to Brands Hatch came when I was about six months old to watch touring cars. Since then, it’s been a dream really after having got into karts.”
“Having my mum into minis as well has helped and going into the Mini Challenge was right for me as it’s got lots of TV coverage.”
As for his ambition in the long term, Ben told KSN how he would like to move through the series before ultimately racing in bigger cars:
“My main aim would be to get into Touring Cars in the end, maybe do the British rounds, but I’d also like to go to Australia and do the V8 Supercars.”
Racing drivers are a rare breed and the adrenalin buzz of screaming around tracks such as Brands Hatch at break-neck speed is normally what gets most of them going, but Gridley is different to the norm:
“In some ways, I think I’m different as I like the build up more, especially when the countdown is going on as we go out to the grid. When your out there driving, that’s the easy bit. Finding the money to get out there and drive is always the hardest part!”
To find out more about Ben Gridley and to become a sponsor, please visit his website –www.bengridley.co.uk Ben can also be found on Twitter @bensamualracing please give him a follow and see what he is upto this year.
Article and Images re-published by very kind permission of www.kentsportsnews.com
MINI takes Youngsters on the Track
MINI is delighted to team up with MotorSport Vision to supply a fleet of MINI One models for its YoungDrive programme. The scheme offers children as young as 11 years old (and a minimum of 4’ 8” tall) the chance to have their first taste of motoring.
The dual controlled MINI Ones are available at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Bedford Autodrome and each car features a DSA-approved instructor who will teach young drivers essential skills in a traffic-free environment to prepare them for hitting the roads for real when they’re old enough.
“The MINI One is the perfect car to give young people their first driving experience and is very popular amongst new drivers; it’s small, nippy and fantastic fun. I’m sure it will leave them counting the days to their 17th birthday!” says Jochen Goller, Director, MINI UK. Jonathan Palmer, owner of Motorsport Vision says "Our renowned YoungDrive programme is a fun and informative course that's designed togive a positive first experience for new drivers and its popularity has grown significantly over the past few years. I'm delighted we've joined forces with the iconic MINI brand - it really is the perfect car for young people to sample driving for the first time."
This collaboration further highlights MINI’s dedication to investing in young drivers; the company already supplies a fleet of MINI Ones to the MINI Drivers @ Goodwood programme.
For more information on availability and restrictions contact MSV on 0843 4531000 or www.motorsportvision.co.uk.
MINI takes first Podium Finish in WRC
A podium position on the ADAC Rally Germany was the reward for the MINI WRC Team after Dani Sordo (ES) and Carlos del Barrio (ES) finished third in their number 37 MINI John Cooper Works WRC after a flawless drive
It also looked as if their team-mates, Kris Meeke (GB) and Paul Nagle (IR), were set to make it to the finish in Trier, but then on the penultimate stage an electrical gremlin struck and the car stopped while they were still fighting for fourth.
Sordo had a rally long battle with the Ford of Mikko Hirvonen (FI) and after 19 stages and 359.59 kilometres of competition finished 48.1secs ahead of him. For Kris he started the final day in fourth ahead of Petter Solberg (NO) in his Citroen. Despite a rear puncture on the first stage of the day, Meeke only lost 1.1secs to Solberg. However, on the second one what Meeke described as an ‘optimistic’ pace note saw him have an excursion into the vineyards and drop to fifth. Despite this he started a fight back, but then when the car stopped on stage 18 the battle with Solberg was over.
It was only 11 months ago on the 15th September that the MINI rally car first turned a wheel in testing in Portugal. In that time the team has competed on only three World Rally Championship events and made it to the podium on its first tarmac event. While this may be the team’s first podium, for the second time this season it has been awarded the Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally Award for Sordo’s great drive.
David Richards, Team Principal:
“I don’t know where to start to thank all the people who have made this possible. If I look at the long list of everyone who has had faith in this project from the very first day we started it’s a long one, and I would like to thank everyone of them as without them none of this would be possible. Dani has driven an impeccable event, and never put a foot wrong. I never doubted his abilities. Poor Kris - if there was any bad luck it was always with him. To have such cruel luck on the second to last stage I really feel for him, but his day will come. He has proved how competitive he can be here and I am sure he is looking forward to France.”
Dave Wilcock, Technical Director:
“We knew what we had to do today. Kris was up for getting in front of Petter Solberg. Dani just had to keep his nose clean and keep the gap to Mikko Hirvonen. The morning stages were dry and we took a bit of a gamble. All the competitors took soft tyres, but we did a split and took the safe option for Dani and Kris went for hard. It was absolutely the right choice, as we could see after ten kilometres into the first stage the hard tyres had warmed up and I was confident we were on for our first fastest stage. Unfortunately he picked up a puncture just before the end. Then at the lunchtime service the heavens opened for the afternoon stages and soft was the obvious choice for everyone. In the afternoon Dani was matching Hirvonen, and picked up the pace when he had to and drove a stunning finish. For Kris we had a loss of electrical power three kilometres into the penultimate stage. The battery managed to keep it running for a further seven minutes, but then we had total electrical failure so had to retire the car after many fraught minutes on the phone and radio to try and sort out the problem. The problem was a broken terminal, a really simple problem as you can do thousands of miles testing and never have this problem. It was the sort of problem buried in the wires that you could not have seen it if you had been looking for it.”
Dani Sordo:
“I am really, really happy for me and the team. For the first rally of the car on tarmac this is very good. This is a surprise and the times were so close to Ford and Citroen that we have a lot of confidence for the next rally. The car is really good on tarmac. We have a good set-up and the suspension is perfect. Obviously we can improve and get the car better and better but this weekend it was okay. We shall now work a lot to try and beat Citroen as well. I tried to push hard on the power stage and it was great to be third, but I didn’t want to take any risks. The mechanics have worked really hard and not made any mistakes so I hope to spend some time with them tonight.”
Kris Meeke:
“The day started out as going to be a bit of a battle with Petter Solberg. We held him in the first one and then on the second we had a little error on the pace note side as the note I had made on the recce was a little bit optimistic and I missed my braking point and lost ten seconds there. After lunch it was very wet and there was only a second between myself and Petter on the first stage, and then on the next about halfway through the car started to cut out on me, eventually stopped completely and there was nothing we could do. It was quite clear it was an electrical issue as there was no power to the control box inside the car. It was traced to just a little wire that had come off and it was one of those things. ”
