MINI has announced its intention to play a long-term part in the FIA World Rally Championship. The news follows the team's second place finish in the Monte Carlo Rally. A two-car entry from WRC Team MINI Portugal has been accepted into the 2012 championship for manufacturers.

A consequence of this acceptance is that MINI will complete the homologation process for the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. The racer will be eligible to compete in rallying up to 2018. Prodrive will continue to build and support customer cars while working with BMW Group to further the vehicle's development.

The WRC team will be run by Prodrive as a works supported private entry. Drivers and co-drivers have been named as; Armindo Araújo (PT) and his co-driver Miguel Ramalho (PT), as well as Paulo Nobre (BR) and co-driver Edu Paula (BR) - for the remaining 12 events of the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship.

Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President MINI Business Coordination and Brand Management, acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in producing and competing in the MINI John Cooper Works WRC car. From seven world championship starts there have been three podium finishes to date.