Richard Burns: homage from his peers
McRae and Lapworth deeply sadden
The rivalry between Richard Burns and Colin McRae created a lot of excitement and interest towards the World Rally Championship.
Burns and McRae were competitors on the WRC stages but the fierce battles between the two World Champions never took over their mutual respect.
Colin McRae won the title in 1994 and Richard Burns followed in his path, winning the 2001 World Rally Championship.
"Richard was a friend and at the same time a very fierce rival," said McRae to Reuters. "We had many great battles together, notably the 2001 Rally GB when he took the [world rally] championship.

"I have seen Richard on a number of occasions during the past two years and the greatest battle he has put up was against his illness,” added McRae.

"Richard was a true character in the world of rallying and will be sadly missed as a competitor and a friend to many people. My thoughts are with Richard, Zoe [his partner], his family and all his close friends that have supported him during the last two years," concluded McRae.

The Subaru World Rally Team was deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of its greatest drivers, Richard Burns. Richard was a long-time friend of Subaru, having enjoyed two spells with the team in his distinguished rallying career.

Driving a Subaru Impreza, Richard became the first-ever Englishman to win the FIA World Rally Championship drivers` title in 2001 and scored eight of his ten WRC wins with the team.

Richard first joined Subaru in 1992 to contest the British Rally Championship and became the youngest-ever winner of the series the following year. After a short time away from the team Richard rejoined Subaru in 1999 and was twice runner-up in the Drivers` championship before securing the title in 2001.

"At this sad time our thoughts are with Richard`s partner Zoe and his family and friends,” said SWRT`s Technical Director, David Lapworth. “Richard was one of the key people who brought the Subaru World Rally Team to what it is today and a large part of our success comes from his input. His wins in the British Championship in 1993 and the World Championship in 2001 brought Subaru to the pinnacle of rallying and his loss leaves a huge gap. Richard will be sorely missed by all at the Subaru World Rally Team, the WRC community and rallying fans across the world."


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