BMW is expected in the next 24 hours to announce that it will move its factory supported Mini World Rally Team from Prodrive, the same company that runs Ford Performance Racing and Ford Performance Vehicles.
According to Autosport.com, the BMW Group is expected to terminate its contract with Prodrive ending the highly credentialed firm’s involvement in the Mini World Rally Team and casting doubt over the future of the programme.
The decision comes despite the fact that Dani Sordo took second place for the Prodrive-run squad at the opening round in Monte Carlo and they are currently on their way to Sweden for next week’s second round of the WRC.
Sources within the firm have confirmed the end is imminent for what has been a short and unhappy partnership. For many months there has been unease between BMW and Prodrive concerning the financing of the programme.
“There was a chance this might have happened last year,” said the source, “but in the end it was decided to wait until after Monte Carlo. The decision has now been taken at board level and will be communicated in due course.”
There is speculation that BMW is ready to hand the project over to an Italian preparation firm or quit the whole programme altogether.
For Autosport.com’s full report CLICK HERE.
