MINI chiefs delighted with Meeke’s effort

Kris Meeke has been praised by senior members of the MINI WRC Team despite Dani Sordo’s first podium for the squad overshadowing his efforts on ADAC Rallye Deutschland last week.

Meeke had proved more than a match to Sordo - regarded as a Rallye Deutschland expert - but ultimately dropped out of his battle for fifth place with Petter Solberg when his John Cooper Works WRC was struck down by an electrical failure on the penultimate stage.

Speaking to Autosport.com, MINI technical director Dave Wilcock said: “We were very, very pleased with the car and Kris,” said Wilcock. “We all know what Dani is capable of on this rally and he drove a fantastic rally, but I think Kris showed what he was capable of here as well; he demonstrated why he is worthy of his place in the field. For me, Kris had nothing to prove, but he did just that here.”

Team boss David Richards added: “Kris has done a great job. Generally, he should be very proud of what he’s done. I had little doubt this was the performance he was going to do, personally, I think he’s been underestimated for many years.”

Meeke said: “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.”

Meeke’s next event is Rallye de France Alsace at the end of September.