Tag Archives: front runners

MINI WRC in Spain – Day Two.

Miniology continues our ongoing MINI WRC coverage to bring you the 12th of 13 rounds in the FIA World Rally Championship (Oct. 20-23), Day Two.

Salou, Spain – 22nd October, 2011.

As the cars returned to the Spanish coastal resort for the end of day two of Rally RACC – Rally of Spain the MINI WRC Team cars of Dani Sordo (ES) and Carlos del Barrio (ES) and Kris Meeke (GB) and Paul Nagle (IR) were lying fourth and sixth respectively. It had been a day when the Citroen of Sébastien Ogier (FR) lost time with a puncture and dropped behind Sordo, while the Spaniard chased after the third placed Ford of Mikko Hirvonen (FI) and set the fastest time on stage 11 in the process. Meeke was again in new territory, but remained on the pace of the front runners while learning the stages without taking unnecessary risks.

The drivers were more than happy to leave the dramas of dust and darkness behind them on day one, for the all tarmac stages of day two. In hot and sunny conditions they completed another 142.54 kilometres over six stages without any major mishaps to the top crews. The biggest test of the day was on the 45.97 kilometre El Priorat stage that, along with the other stages, was run twice, but while Riba-roja d’Ebre and Punta de les Torres at 12.27 kilometres and 13.53 kilometres respectively were much shorter, they were both completely new to all the competitors. Tomorrow they have the final six stages and 102.62 kilometres of competition before an early afternoon finish.

Dave Wilcock, Technical Director: “Generally it has been a good day for us. It was the first day of Tarmac and Dani set off with the intention of catching Mikko Hirvonen. On the first loop of stages it was all looking good and he managed to pull 22 seconds back from him, and the target was to do the same in the afternoon. We nearly had a stage win on the second stage of the morning, and then we finally got it on the second one of the afternoon, so we are very happy with that. We were disappointed to drop some time to Mikko at the end of the day, and it now puts pressure on Dani to pull back 0.37seconds per kilometre on the remaining stages going into tomorrow. As for Kris, he has been neat and tidy and shown he is developing very well. Comparing his times to Mikko, we are very, very pleased with his pace. Clearly he is doing a good job, the obvious intention is to get him to the end of the rally and he is very much focused on that. It’s a big day tomorrow so let’s see what happens.”

Dani Sordo (MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 37): “It has been a really good day, there have been no problems and I am very happy to have a fastest stage time. The battle with Mikko for the podium is very tough, as he is a bit far away in terms of times and the gap is now 37 seconds. However, my plans for the final day are to push Mikko really hard and fight him for the podium. It would be really nice to be on the podium here on my home rally, but I am realistic about what I have to do.”

Kris Meeke (MINI John Cooper Works WRC No 52): “I can’t complain at all about today. Probably the most important thing for me is the times relative to the top guys got a lot better on the second pass through the stages, so I am very happy about that. I wasn’t trying any harder, but it just shows how it comes together when you subconsciously learn the roads. The Michelin tyres were mega consistent, particularly on the long 46 kilometre one, and on the tarmac there was maximum grip.”

And of course, as always, here are a bunch of photos delivered to you fresh from the day’s event:

[Source: BMW Group PressClub Sport]

MINI sets the fashion pace under the slogan “Beat the Street”. The latest clothing collection is worthy of the catwalk and the sidewalk alike.

[Source: BMW AG, Munich.] For ten years, MINI has been wowing the public not just with its legendary cars, but with its authentic fashion, accessories and luggage collections as well. The brand delivers its own interpretation of the latest trends while simultaneously celebrating its passion for British fashion. Now, for the first time, the new range has taken the bold leap onto the catwalk with a special show at the Pavillon 21 MINI Opera Space in Munich.

MINI creates fashion for all those whose heart beats to the rhythm of the street. This anything but run-of-the-mill collection bristles with hallmark British details like the Union Jack, badges etc., and offers unconventional outfits that lend themselves to casual, business or clubbing wear.

Fashion classics from Great Britain.

There are only a few types of clothing that remain timeless and ever trendy, and the trench coat is right up there among the front-runners. The casual Trench Coat by MINI, available for men and women, is intriguing with its fine detailing. The lining of the coat and its outer pockets feature an abstract Union Jack pattern, while a key pocket and a zipped pocket on the inside left of the trench coat offer practical storage possibilities. The cuffs, meanwhile, sport a discreetly embroidered MINI logo.

Multitalents in denim look.

The Men’s Denim Business Shirt and Ladies’ Denim Business Blouse are stylish companions that love to be combined. Dark blue and with discreet MINI lettering on the chest, they lend themselves to both a sporty-elegant and a more casual look. After work, simply roll up the sleeves up and let the Union Jack lining draw approving glances down at the club.

For the ladies, MINI also has a feminine Denim Dress with ruffles lined up in the wardrobe. Other fine details include an authentic Union Jack badge on the left chest and a “Beat the Street” print on the inside collar. This item can be worn as a dress or as a tunic in combination with leggings.

College outfits with retro flair.

The new his and hers Hoodie Sweat Jackets are right in with the trendy campus look. These comfortable hooded jackets are guaranteed to up the feel-good factor and come with an eye-catching print on the back and a zip at the front. Made of top-grade cotton and with cuffs on the sleeves and the bottom hem, they are certain to keep its wearers fleecy-warm. Colours are in the traditional mould – red for the ladies, blue for the men.

To match the Hoodie Sweat Jackets, MINI has two casual Street Longsleeves on offer. The white men’s item is striking with its blue “Beat the Street” print, making for a cool vintage look. The grey ladies’ long-sleeved shirt has a feminine V-neck and a shiny silver motif on the front.

Fashionable combination accessories.

Scarves are indispensable trend accessories and bestow any outfit with an individual touch. The light Union Jack Scarf from MINI appeals with its fashionable rendition of the British Union Jack, and is open to a wide range of combinations. This artistic design in red, blue and white makes this unisex scarf a colourful eye-catcher.

When it came to the Beat the Street Belt, MINI took inspiration from its automotive competence. This belt has a surprise element in the shape of a silver fastening designed like seatbelt buckle. Other details include the lettering “Beat the Street” embossed on the buckle and the MINI logo on the belt itself.

In addition to these highlights, the MINI Lifestyle Collection presents numerous other outfits and accessories. The complete collections will be available from September 2011 on the internet at www.MINI.de/shop and through select MINI Dealers.

Here’s some pics of what’s available, no word yet on the new collection for North America, but hey, that’s what Internet shopping is for eh? :)