I never came to terms with where the Abarth has the shifter. The angle on the dash made it feel really awkward to me. Shame, because before I really wanted to like it, it looked unique, and it was just this fun little hot hatch I could really enjoy. But if I can't shift correctly...ah, well.
Hence, I'm in a WRX now
Great looking car though, glad you're having with it! And it really does seem like Mini groups are like the most laid back crew EVER. They don't care what you drive, if you're up for shenanigans they'll welcome you with open arms