Banbury's two-car Mini team make their World Rally Championship debut in Sardinia this weekend, with team principal David Rich-ards saying the Mini Countryman had performed ‘better than anyone dared hope’ in testing.

Richards said two years of intensive development and thousands of miles of testing had gone into the launch of the Prodrive-prepared, 1.6-litre turbocharged, Mini John Cooper Works WRCs.

Kris Meeke, from Northern Ireland, will be co-driven by Paul Nagle, from Southern Ireland, in car No 52, while sitting beside Dani Sordo will be fellow Spaniard, Carlos del Barrio, in car 37.

Richards said: “The comeback of the Mini has created a real sense of anticipation within the team and yet, at the same time, an acute awareness of the enormous responsibility that rests on our shoulders.

“The Mini has performed better than we dared hope in testing and the S2000 car’s debut in Portugal was very encouraging.

“However, we are all too aware of the challenges ahead of us and take nothing for granted.

“But whatever the outcome, Sardinia will be an historic event for the entire team and everyone who has supported us.”

Meeke said: “I have relatively recent experience as I was lucky enough last year to do this event when it was in the IRC and also did the Rally Costa Smeralda on the island.

“This is particularly good for me when going there in a new venture with a new rally car. We obviously have lots to learn about the WRC car.

“It is a tough rally to start out with the new car and will be a big test for the new team. At the end of the day only time will tell.”

Sordo said the event was tricky, with narrow roads that could be slippery. He said: “Some are twisty and some are fast.

“Also there is a lot of loose gravel on top of the surface and, once the early cars have been over, there is usually just the one line you can take.

“I am very excited, like everyone in the team, but also quite nervous as we don’t know what to expect.

“It is really great to be starting the new programme with the new car.”