Nathan Quinn secures MINI WRC drive for Rally Australia

Nathan Quinn will compete in a MINI John Cooper Works WRC car on Rally Australia next month, the tenth round in the 2013 World Rally Championship, it has been announced.

The local ace will race under the 'Coffs Coast Rally Team' banner, with the machine run by Motorsport Italia.

It will be the 29-year-old's third attempt at the event, although mechanical problems prevented him from finishing in both 2009 and 2011.

"This is the biggest chance of my career and I've put everything on the line to get it," the Coffs Harbour tyre shop owner said. "I'm determined to get to the finish line on Sunday afternoon and if I can do that I'm fairly confident of a good result.

"The MINI Countryman John Cooper Works WRC is a thoroughly-proven rally car and the team is bringing the latest 01C engine designed by BMW for me to use. It will be the fastest rally car I've ever driven and I can't wait to get my hands on it."

Rally Australia Chairman Ben Rainsford meanwhile said Quinn's entry should encourage many more spectators to attend the event.

"Whether it's the FIA F1 World Championship or FIA World Rally Championship, the participation of Australian drivers brings a whole new level of interest for spectators and followers around the country," he added. "Rally Australia congratulates Nathan Quinn and his team on achieving this entry. He's a fine young driver and we wish him every success in the rally."

Rally Australia has not had a local outright contender since Queenslander Chris Atkinson competed as a works driver in 2006.