Check out a Mini Brazilian this September!

The Brazil World Rally Team (BWRT) will fly the Mini flag at Rally Australia, the 10th round of the 2011 World Rally Championship, on 8-11 September. Young Brazilian Daniel Oliveira will drive the Mini John Cooper Works WRC down under as part of a three-year driver development programme alongside Portuguese navigator Carlos Magalhaes.

The official Mini factory team run by Prodrive UK is limiting itself to selected European rounds for its debut WRC season, so the appearance of the Brazilian privateer outfit will ensure Rally Australia fans see the exciting new Mini in action. Prodrive are providing operational and technical support for the Brazilian effort throughout this season.

The Mini's entry against the established Citroen and Ford teams will bring back fond memories for thousands of fans of the brand and the sport. In the Sixties, the original Mini won Europe's most famous rally, the Monte Carlo.

In its latest guise, the BMW-developed "New Mini" is a chic, sporty urban runabout that is now out to prove itself in one of the world's toughest motorsport competitions.

Watch this space for more news in the lead up to Rally Australia 2011, or go to www.rallyaustralia.com.au for the latest updates.

BWRT Mini specs.
Chassis: MINI Countryman bodyshell with Prodrive rollcage
Suspension: Prodrive Ohlins Macpherson strut w/3-way adjustable damper front & rear
Engine: BMW Motorsport 1600cc direct injection petrol w/Garrett turbocharger (max boost 2.5 bar) dry sump
Transmission: Permanent four wheel drive, Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox, AP Racing clutch
Steering: Hydraulic power assisted
Wheels: ATS (different widths for differnet road surfaces)
Tyres: Michelin
Brakes: (gravel) 300mm discs w/four piston calipers front & rear, (tarmac) 355mm discs w/four piston calipers front & rear
Dimensions: 4,110mm length, 1,820mm width, 1,200kg weight (FIA Minimum)