Richard Burns will forever hold the record of being the first Englishman to win the World Rally Championship, claiming the 2001 title in a Subaru Impreza. Cruelly, he had just a short time to enjoy his victory before his death at the age of 34 from a brain tumour.
Early Days, Prodrive and Mitsubishi
By the time he was eight Burns was already driving, learning the basics in his dad’s car. In his teens he attended a rally school and became infatuated with the sport. His debut season in 1988 was with a Talbot Sunbeam, paid for by his father. Fortunately for Burns, he was befriended by keen rally driver and businessman David Williams, who gave considerable financial assistance to the Englishman during his early career.
As a prize for winning the 1990 Peugeot Challenge Burns was given an entry for that year’s British round of the World Rally Championship. He had also come to the attention of David Richards, whose Prodrive operation looked after Subaru’s rally interests. With their support Burns won the 1992 National Championship, followed by the British Championship in 1993. The Asia-Pacific series was contested in 1994 and the following year, along with selected World Rally Championship events for Subaru.
In 1996 Burns scored the first international win of his career, taking a Mitsubishi to victory in New Zealand, then a round of the Asia-Pacific series. His first World Championship victory came two years later on the epic Safari Rally, again aboard a Mitsubishi. The 1998 season ended well with victory in his home Rally GB, an event he would win for the next two years.
A Move to Subaru and the WRC Title
A switch to Subaru for 1999, where he replaced Colin McRae, saw Burns teamed with the experienced Finn Juha Kankkunen. A fine debut year yielded second overall in the championship. In 2000 Burns finished second again, behind future team-mate Marcus Gronholm. The highlight of the year was a scintillating comeback drive to claim victory in Britain.
Burns was in danger of slipping out of title contention in 2001, after failing to score in the first two rounds. Subsequently, his form improved and, heading into the final round, he was one of four drivers fighting for the title. In an extraordinary Rally GB all three of his title rivals retired, meaning third place was good enough for the championship.
Burns left Subaru at the end of his title season to drive for Peugeot, but it was a largely disappointing experience as he struggled to adapt to the 206. As the end of the 2003 season approached he was set to return to Subaru, but it was not to be. While driving on the M4 to the Rally GB, with Markko Martin alongside, Burns blacked out at the wheel. He was in contention for the title again, but was forced to withdraw from the rally.
A Tragic End and the Richard Burns Foundation
Burns was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour. In the following months he withdrew from the public stage to fight a very different battle. After undergoing surgery in 2005 there was some optimism, but Burns finally succumbed to his illness on November 25th that year, the fourth anniversary of his World Championship victory. His death was largely overlooked by the mainstream media as they concentrated on the footballer George Best, who died the same day. His long term co-driver, Robert Reid, paid tribute to his friend in the December 1st, 2005 issue of Autosport magazine;
"It was his whole approach to life. And latterly to his illness. Richard went through some really tough times. Really tough times. Do you know, though, I never heard him complain once. He was amazing."
The Richard Burns Foundation was officially launched at the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside a selection of cars from his career. The foundation provides help for people suffering from serious injury or illness. It also campaigns on behalf of the Michael Park Fund, which aids motor sport safety. Subaru launched a limited edition Richard Burns Impreza, the RB320, in his memory. Burns remains the only Englishman to have won the World Rally Championship.
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