July 2010
Have you noticed there seems to be an endless supply of television shows that feature hapless, fame hungry, talentless wannabes, and just when you think it couldn't possibly get any worse, it usually does. The birth of reality TV brought with it a new era, where people could become famous for being famous.
The sad reality is, there is a never ending production line of desperate wannabes, but there are fewer and fewer icons of our generation. Top Gear recently ran a commemorative feature on Ayrton Senna, and while it displayed just how incredibly talented he was, it also showed how he touched the lives of not only the people he worked with and raced against, but the whole of his home country Brazil.
Many say Colin McRae was the modern icon of rallying. A boy of humble beginnings that would go on to become a World Champion and house hold name. His commitment, bravery and flair behind the wheel caught the imagination of fans throughout the world; he inspired people to believe that they too could chase their dreams.
Talent and luck may win you World Championships and wealth, but it is humility and hard work that will win the hearts of the public. Valentino Rossi has won an incredible 9 Moto GP titles so far in his career, and just weeks after a crash that nearly ripped his leg off, he has defied doctors and his race rivals alike and is back chasing his tenth title. While he may be the most talented motorcycle rider in history, it is the fact that millions of fans around the world are still as excited to see him win his tenth title, as they were his first that is most remarkable.
This brings me nicely on to Mini, who have alongside motorsport specialist Prodrive, announced ambitious plans to re-enter top flight rallying. It was in the 1960's that the diminutive Mini Cooper S would go on to win the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, beating the might of Fords bigger and more powerful V8's. The Mini soon captured the imagination of the world over, with the romance of the underdog taking on the power plants and emerging victorious.
Mini and Prodrive have a lot of responsibility resting on their shoulders, as although the latest incarnation of the Mini may have little resemblance to the original, it remains as popular as its predecessor in its heyday. The new Mini Countryman WRC may yet have to prove it's self on the modern world stage, but Mini has already won the hearts of fans around the world, and for many that's what matters most.
For more information see our News section.