Oliveira plans to capitalise on S2000 MINI outings

Daniel Oliveira hopes the experience that he will gain driving the Super 2000 version of the MINI John Cooper Works will give him an edge when he gets his hands on the World Rally Car equivalent in the coming months.

The rising Brazilian star will contest Vodafone Rally de Portugal next week and the Jordan Rally in April in the S2000-specification machine before upgrading to the WRC model when it comes on stream for Rally d’Italia Sardegna in early May.

“This year is a new and big challenge for me so the opportunity to start in the Super 2000 car will give me more preparation for Sardinia and that will make me more confident and more comfortable with the new car,” said the 25-year-old. “I drove this car for 50 kilometres on the [Prodrive] test track at Warwick and I was happy with my familiarisation. The engine feels nice and the power felt strong. It was also easy to drive with good handling.”

With scant experience of rallying to fall back on, the Brazilian has vowed to adopt a caution-first approach when he starts the 17-stage world championship qualifier in Lisbon on 25 March.

“It’s a new car and new stages and my first focus will be to keep a clean mind, with no punctures and no damage,” said Oliveira. “I want to learn step by step and go more faster stage by stage. But for now I have to learn. I’m very excited but I know it will be very difficult. Portugal is not an easy race so I plan to learn and get the experience before I think about competing at a top level.”

Oliveira, who will compete under the Prodrive-run Brazil World Rally Team banner, plans to make the most of co-driver Carlos Magalhaes’ knowledge of the Faro-based rally. Magalhaes is from Portugal and has competed on the Algarve event on a handful of previous occasions.

“Carlos will be there to help me, to show me where the difficult places are and where the danger is,” said Oliveira.