Mini is hoping to broaden the appeal of the brand beyond its current core market of women by entering the FIA World Rally Championship in selected rounds of the season in 2011. Mini Countryman WRC

Kris Meeke has been confirmed as one of the drivers who will contest the championship with the new rally car.

The 2011 World Rally Championship will see the new Mini WRC contesting in six of 13 scheduled rounds, with Mini competing in the full 2012 season.