Spanish driver Daniel “Dani” Sordo will strengthen the new Banbury-run Mini WRC Team in the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship.

He will team up with Kris Meeke when Mini makes its return to rallying with the Mini WRC.

Sordo, 27, said: “There has been a great deal of excitement surrounding Mini’s return to the WRC, so to be part of this new team is a fantastic opportunity.

“I’m sure Mini has a big future in the sport. I’m looking forward to working with Kris Meeke, having completed a very successful test with him in Sardinia last November.”

Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, senior vice president of brand management for Mini, said “Both Dani and Kris fit well with the Mini brand, and can offer the WRC programme not only experience and speed, but also the right chemistry we need to build the team.”

David Richards, chairman of Banbury-based Prodrive which is running the Mini WRC team, said: “Dani may only be 27, but he is already one of the most experienced drivers in the WRC and has been competing at the very highest level for five years.

“I believe with the new Mini WRC and in the right environment, he can now take the next step and add to his 29 podiums with victories on WRC events and become a challenger for a title.”

Sordo is an experienced and successful WRC contender, having participated in the championship since 2003 and driving in the same team as Sébastien Loeb for several seasons. He is a former Junior World Rally Champion, and to date in the WRC has secured 29 podium finishes and 102 stage wins.

Sordo began his career in motocross when he was 12 years old, achieving success also in hillclimbing, karting and touring cars.