Richard Burns dies at 34
2001 World Rally Champion passes away

Former World Rally Champion Richard Burns has died after failing to recover from a brain tumour. He was 34.

The only Englishman to win the prestigious driving title, in 2001, he underwent brain surgery to remove a tumour in April, but died on Friday with his close family and friends at his bedside.

His last race was in 2003 while leading the world championship. He was forced to stop racing after fainting at the wheel of his car while travelling to the Wales Rally GB.

"From the outset Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour," the statement said.

"Having undergone both chemotherapy and radiotherapy he was able to leave hospital in summer 2004. For a while his health showed signs of improvement but then after six months it once again began to decline.

"Determined not to give up, he opted for surgery earlier this year. This alleviated some of the symptoms of his illness and enabled him to remain active. At Castle Combe in August he attended a parade of the rally cars that he drove throughout his career and was touched by the warmth of the reception he received.

"However there was to be no miracle and in recent days he lapsed into a coma. The date of a memorial service will be announced shortly."

The Reading-born driver made his breakthrough when he became the youngest-ever winner of the British rally championship in 1993 when he was with Subaru.

He then competed in the Asia-Pacific Championships before entering the world championship on a full-time basis for the first time in 1998 partnering Finland's Tommi Makinen for Mitsubishi.

He moved back to Subaru the following year and after racking up wins in Greece, Australia and Britain, he placed second in the world championship standings.

He had to settle for second again the following year, but he finally grabbed the supreme title in his sport in 2001 when he beat off a strong challenge from arch-rival Colin McRae of Scotland to clinch a thrilling victory by finishing third in the closing Rally of Great Britain.

Burns switched again after his world title, moving to Peugeot, but failed to win a race all season in 2002 although he still managed to finish overall second.

In all he raced in 105 world championship rallies, winning 10.

The entire Racing-Live.com team and Capsis International wishes to send its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Richard Burns. If you wish to send a message of support to the family and a memorial to Richard Burns, please click on the following link: www.richard-burns.co.uk/memorials

Tragic

R.i.p