The MINI WRC team was justifiably proud over the second place in Rally France as Dani Sordo fought for the win over the three days of the rally. This was another clear message from the team that they have the pace on asphalt rallies from the word go.
Dani Sordo never gave up his fight for the lead over the three days and 340 kilometres of competition and he held the overall lead after the first day. Although he lost the lead during the second day to Ogier he went into the final day just 9,5 seconds behind. The team and Sordo chosed the soft Michelins for the first stages and that proved to be an inspired choice and he could claw back time and was just 6,4 seconds behind after the first stage on the final day. On the penultimate stage the gap between them was 6,7 seconds as they had traded fastest times with each other during the stages. On the final power stage Sordo had no intention to give up the fight and posted the second fastest time, thus earning himself another two points. In the end just 6,3 seconds seperated Dani Sordo and the overall winner Sébastien Ogier.
“Yesterday we could have so easily have settled for a secure second place but that’s not our style and I’m so proud that Dani was able to challenge for the victory right to the end”, team principal David Richards said. “On this occasion we will therefore celebrate a second place and give the entire team a big pat on the back, particularly Dani Sordo. He managed to keep the pressure on Sébastien Ogier throughout the rally and he’s certainly laid down a marker for his home event in Spain.”
Dani Sordo himself was more than pleased with this effort which say him better the third place in Rally Germany. The Spaniard is now confident for his home rally in Spain coming up next.
“As you can imagine I am really, really happy to finish in second position,” he said. “It is an incredible result for the team so thank you to them and also to Carlos (co-driver) who has been great all rally. I think no one here expected this before the rally, but we were fighting for the victory and at the end were just 6,3 seconds behind Ogier. I am very pleased to be going to my home event in Spain in this position. The car was set-up well here, so I am confident it will be the same in Spain.”
Kris Meeke also proved the competitiveness of the MINI by being in contention for a podim finish when he slid off the road. Underlining the performance of the new MINI cars the entered MINI S2000 cars also were competitive on the rally setting fast stage times.
Öhlins congratulates the MINI WRC team for another excellent podim finish and a close fought battle for the victory.