Positives for Mini despite Meeke exit

MINI WRC Team technical mentor David Lapworth said he could take plenty of positives from the squad’s world championship debut, despite Kris Meeke’s retirement from the third stage of the event.

After beating the time set by world champion Sebastien Loeb on the opening stage, Meeke went third fastest on the next run to move into fourth overall in his John Cooper Works WRC.

“We’re a bit disappointed to have a problem so early on but I’m pleased with Kris’s speed,” said Lapworth. “Kris was exactly where we expected him to be and his time on stage two ticked another box. He was very relaxed and felt comfortable so it’s a shame what has happened to him.”

Meeke’s moment occurred approximately two kilometres into the 14.34-kilometre Alta Marmilla stage.

“He felt something braking for a fifth-gear corner,” said Lapworth. “We need to look at the data to understand what happened but he’s paid the price by running wide onto some loose gravel. We’re hoping he’ll be out again tomorrow.”

Although Meeke will go no further on day one, team-mate Dani Sordo reached the remote service halt in Siamanna in eighth overall.

“We wanted to get the cars through a couple of stages to calm things down,” said Lapworth. “The plan was to keep things calm and build up confidence. It’s a shame for Kris that he’s only got two and a bit stages under his belt but Dani is keeping to the plan.”