Colin McRae is often the first name that comes to mind when people think of the glory days of World Rallying. He was known for his bravery and daring driving style which brought him global fame and raised the profile of rallying. However, there is another name that stands out as the most talented British rally driver of that era – Richard Burns.
One of the most memorable moments of Burns’ career was at the Rally Great Britain, the final round of the 2000 season. Burns finished narrowly behind Marcus Gronholm, who secured his second championship title. Burns had to win the rally and hope for Gronholm to drop to the bottom of the podium to have a chance at the title. Despite the pressure, Burns rose to the occasion and claimed victory with precision and aggression.
The championship battle between Burns and Gronholm was intense, with the lead changing hands multiple times during the rally. The video recap of the event showcases the sheer driving talent of both drivers, as well as other top drivers of the season like Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Makinen.
Although Gronholm ultimately won the championship by a slim margin, Burns would go on to claim the title the following season. He finally secured his first WRC championship title, beating out McRae who finished second in the championship. Burns was known for riding the edge of his limits, which led to some spectacular moments on the rally stages.
Tragically, Burns’ career was cut short by a brain tumor in 2005, just four years after winning his first and only WRC championship title. Despite his untimely passing, we are fortunate to have footage of his incredible driving skills available for fans to enjoy and appreciate. Burns’ legacy as one of Britain’s most talented rally drivers lives on, leaving fans with memories of his remarkable achievements on the rally stages.