Oliveira brings MINI back to Australia
He is the sole representative of the marque this weekend
The MINI name will return to the Rally Australia entry list for the first time since 2004 when Daniel Oliveira contests the world championship qualifier in a MINI John Cooper Works WRC.
Oliveira, who is embarking on his first WRC campaign with the Prodrive-run Brazil World Rally Team outfit, will compete on the Coffs Coast event alongside Portuguese co-driver Carlos Magalhaes.
He is the sole MINI representative in action this week and is being charged with helping to develop the BMW-powered machine on the gravel event, making a finish essential for the 26-year-old Brazilian.
“I’ve watched some videos to have an idea of what to expect in this round,” said Oliveira. “I’ve learned it’s a fast and very interesting rally. Anyway, all the rallies I’ve been tackling this year were new to me and it’s all about learning and getting the maximum out of each situation. I don’t feel the pressure of being the only MINI John Cooper Works WRC in the competition since the objective for this rally is to try to finish the three days and help Provide to develop the car.”
The last time a MINI appeared on a world championship rally in Australia was in 2004 when British privateer Trevor Godwin drove a Group A Cooper. Sadly, his run was curtailed by electrical failure on stage six.
After nine rounds, the Brazil World Rally Team is 11th in the WRC manufacturers’ standings with one point.