Why aren't they using the normal MINI instead of the Countryman?

Good question, I think BMW have decided to use the Countryman for two reasons. Firstly, the Countryman is a new model in the MINI range - so entering the WRC is a way of promoting the car to make the public more aware of the car. If BMW entered the hatchback model, there would be nothing new to promote - the MINI hatchback is being tweaked in September but the new hatchback doesn't get launched for another three years.

Secondly, rallying suits the Countryman's image - a soft off-roader with four wheel drive. In fact, its better then entering a Citroen C4 in rallying, because road car customers cannot buy a four wheel drive C4, they cannot even buy a hot hatch model. BMW will launch a JCW Countryman, with wide wheels and a powerful engine - so at least customers will be able buy something that slightly resembles the WRC car.

Dont know why they bother, Citroen will dominate next season. Loeb, Ogier (And probably) Solberg and Sordo. No one else has a chance

it's a stupid idea enter a countrymen in wrc, standard mini would be much better but still trashed by citreon.

I'd imagine the DS3 will be no slouch when it starts racing for real next year.

I can only hope that the new regulations next year will create a more level playing field. WRC is ultra boring at the moment with the Citroen domination and really only two makes of car.

Its been officially confirmed: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85590

That DS3 will be ace!! I want one but can't afford it
Also that Countryman whats the point? its a crap looking car (I went down to Scotthall BMW and saw one for real looks awful ) and with it in the WRC it'll just look stupid if it was gunna enter owt it should have summert like the Dakar Rally will fit in there

I hate the DS3, it looks a real mess with odd lines and curves in odd places. I agree I don't fully understand why the Countryman is going rallying, most probably because the Countryman has just been launched and BMW want to promote that. Where as the MINI Hatchback is going to be replaced soon, so there is nothing new to promote.

I like the Countryman, its got a superbly built interior and class-leading engines. The most important thing is that it will be a huge success.

I like the ds3 looks great to me. I would have one tomorrow if I could.

Nothing French for me, only German cars.

Saw a DS3 on the road the other day, looked awesome. Sav, most people who drive German cars are complete wankers tbh, they think they own the road

The DS3 brings nothing new to the market, its a boring copy of the MINI idea and will never, ever be as successful. Whatever anybody thinks of the MINI, its been hugely successful - and that is what matters.

Anyway, WRC could be great in the next couple of years. MINI V Ford v Citroen and VW are entering in 2012. Thank goodness, WRC is excruciatingly boring at the moment with the same car and driver winning and not much competition.

All the manufacturers in the world can enter, aslong as Citroen still have Loeb and Ogier they are going to be winning.

"excruciatingly boring" lol no

Mini don't enter wrc for 2012

actually they just didn't put there entry in, in time. Looks like bmw are having second thoughs.

It is rather peculiar isn’t it, why would the BMW Group develop an engine, commission Prodrive to build the car and then race it – only for them not to enter WRC – the very series they wanted to enter? Bizarre.

i think bmw have decided that they don't need to race the mini as it sells itself.

That's the case with most road cars, I question the value of motorsport for a lot of companies. Sure, it's advertising - but an extremely expensive form of advertising.