Mini to make rallying comeback with WRC Countryman

Mini has confirmed it will return to the international rally scene with a WRC version of the new Countryman in 2011.

The car will be developed in conjunction with British firm Prodrive, and will have a BMW Motorsport built 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged engine at its heart.

The Countryman WRC will feature in selected rally events next season before it makes its full debut in 2012. The announcement marks a spectacular return to the sport for the brand after its success in the 1960s.