Kr0z Posted November 29, 2005 Share Posted November 29, 2005 LONDON (AFP) - Former world rally champion Richard Burns has died after failing to recover from a brain tumour. He was aged 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." Peugeot director Jean-Pierre Nicolas, who welcomed Burns to the squad when he left Subaru at the end of the 2001 season, was one of the first to pay tribute. "It's really saddening to see such a likeable and strong young man die so young. He had everything going for him," Nicolas told AFP. "He was the world champion in 2001 and after his move to Peugeot he complemented Marcus Gronholm and thus contributed a lot to our world title in 2002. "He was a remarkable finisher. He read the race really well which allowed him to pick up points." Nicolas added: "Given the circumstances it will be a liberation for him. You rarely beat this kind of illness." 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. Yahoo News Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurmoth Posted November 29, 2005 Share Posted November 29, 2005 Sorry, but this has already been posted :/ https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=402245 Thread Closed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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