MINI wins first championship title

The MINI World Rally Car has won its first ever championship title, with Luis Monzon clinching the Spanish Tarmac Rally Championship title at the weekend.

Monzon was unable to compete in the latest event, Rallye Villa de Llanes, but having won five of the previous six events in his MINI WRC - with a 31mm restrictor - and with only two more events to come, his nearest rival cannot secure enough points to take the title race to the next round.

The title is the second of Monzon's career, having last won the Spanish championship 12 years ago in 2001.

"It gives me great satisfaction to have been able to win this title, and to repeat this success at my age is a dream," he said. "This unforgettable season is the icing on my career. This title is for everyone who has contributed. It would not be fair to highlight someone above the rest, but I have to thank the whole team, to Pedro Burgo and his team, technical engineering support from Prodrive and Nick Navas, Jos? Carlos D?niz, to all the sponsors, my family and, of course, MINI and Manuel Terroba for believing in our bid to regain the Spanish Tarmac Rally Championship."

Vaclav Pech meanwhile could win the Czech National Championship this weekend, with first place in his MINI RRC guaranteeing the title.