Hope they do better than they've done in rally & hope they stick around longer too. This could be a fun way for MINI to use up their unused rally parts supply.
Prodrive have been quietly developing the Mini over the past year. There are at least 36 WRC versions out there somewhere with plans to focus on the RX program. For me the Mini RX is a logical step forward for them. Plus they've just built a new facility. http://www.prodrive.com/#!rally/c1i2x
I'd like to know where all the WRC Mini's are? I only know of this one running in WRC2. Ascania Racing Team -
I see them mentioned every once in a while, all racing in other series'. Most consistent news comes from rallies in Ireland, though I can rarely tell whether they're full WRC spec or S2000. My guess is the 36 you mention includes both versions. Ascania started the season running two cars, don't know why they ended with just one...maybe that means there's one less WRC MINI on the planet?
The RX MINI has a lot less horsepower than allowed and than used by everyone else and because they're under some limit set by the rules, they're allowed to be a lot lighter as well. As a result, they use a lot of lightweight parts to get the weight low enough to be competitive so I really wonder how much room they have left over for ballast and adjusting weight balance.
When I was at Prodrive they said they had built 36 WRC Mini's which could include the S2000 and regional cars. Either way I want one if one is going spare. hahaha
They haven't stepped in yet but, according to Guerlain Chicherit who appears to be trying to land a drive, they've made progress and are still working hard.
I lost track of this for a while. Apparently they decided to compete in just a few events this season to learn and prep with intent of full participation next year. Here are a couple quick clips re their first outing in early May at Hockenheim. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1CDQA1_fBM"]JRM Racing, World RX Hockenheim, day one review – 1.5.15 - YouTube[/ame] [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klO62dHoIWs"]JRM Racing, World RX Hockenheim, day two review – 2.5.15 - YouTube[/ame] Then later in May at Lydden Hill. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0l6YFvbsqs"]JRM Racing, World RX Lydden Hill, event review – 24.5.14 - YouTube[/ame] Wilks back in action with JRM Mini (crash.net)