Prodrive Mini returns to WRC for Finland with Jarkko Nikara
Prodrive's Mini will return to the World Rally Championship in Finland with Jarkko Nikara driving an upgraded John Cooper Works WRC
The 27-year-old Finn has competed on his home WRC round six times previously, but this year's August 1-3 event will be his first time in a frontrunning car capable of troubling the podium places.
In preparation for the event, Nikara will contest the Kouvola Rally in a fortnight's time.
Prodrive's Richard Taylor said the firm is excited to see Nikara show the Mini's potential.
"The whole team here is eager to get back to a full WRC event and to see how the improved Mini performs in the hands of a driver who likes these roads and we know is capable of setting top-10 stage times even in such a strong field," said Taylor.
Former Pirelli Star Driver Nikara made his debut in the Mini with fifth in Spain last year. He also drove the car on its last WRC appearance in Sweden earlier in 2013, where he fought back to 25th from last place after going off the road on SS3.
"I have been waiting a long time to get back behind the wheel of the Mini, and to do it on my home event will be extra special," he said.
"The car is easy to drive, so I do not think it will take me long to find my pace and rhythm.
"Unlike previous events, I will have more practice time in the car and with the extra power on this fast rally, I think we can really push for a good finish."
The Mini has been absent from the WRC in recent rounds after Michal Kosciuszko ended his programme with Motorsport Italia.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends
Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
Ranking the top 10 BTCC title deciders
Marquez: Age a key factor in Quartararo's new Yamaha MotoGP deal
"Complete s***show" - Does the DTM test still make sense in its current form?
F1 publishes sustainability gains amid 2030 net zero push
How Rovanpera showed his class above his WRC rivals in Kenya
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore
How Lappi survived Swedish snow carnage to snap his lengthy WRC drought
The new WRC highs Neuville reached to defeat Monte master Ogier
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments