9:59am Thursday 9th September 2010
By David Duffy
The new MINI Countryman World Rally Car has successfully completed its shakedown phase at Banbury-based Prodrive’s private proving ground.
This initial part of the car’s test and development programme took place with the engineering team driving the car over four days, primarily on tarmac, but also including several kilometres on loose surfaces and Prodrive’s low grip facility in Warwickshire. The car will now travel to Portugal for a week of testing on gravel.
David Lapworth, Prodrive technical director, said: “As with any totally new car, it is vital to take time to ensure all the systems are working as intended before embarking on a week-long gravel test."
This first test car is running with an interim body and aero package, while design of the final World Rally Car bodywork is under way.
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