Colin McRae admits Brit Richard Burns is a threat to his position as a top rally driver
Rally legend Colin McRae finally admitted fellow Brit Richard Burns was a threat to his position as the nation’s best rally driver, following Burns’ recent Acropolis Rally win. Burns piloted his Subaru Impreza to victory a full minute ahead of Toyota’s Carlos Sainz, while McRae retired his Ford Focus with gearbox trouble.
McRae welcomes the challenge
Welcoming the challenge, McRae said in our 28 July issue: “I want to be known as Britain’s number one, the biggest or fastest Brit. But Richard has been driving very well this year and the fact that we are fighting for the same thing [the world title] adds credibility to being fastest Brit. It’s no good not having to fight.”
Neither driver ended up winning the 1999 drivers’ championship. That went to Mitsubishi’s Tommi Mäkinen, whose New Zealand Rally win in July was one of four victories for the Finn in that year’s campaign.
Burns aims for victory
As for the battle with McRae to be top Brit, Burns said: “It’s not just Colin – I want to beat everyone this year. Winning in Greece and coming second in Argentina has shown people I’m not just here to make up the numbers” – a point he reinforced later in the year by victories on Rally Australia and Rally of Great Britain.
That run of late-season form secured Burns second in the drivers’ title, with McRae sixth. Burns was runner-up again in 2000 but he finally won the crown in 2001, when it was 1995 champion McRae’s turn to be runner-up.
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Conclusion
The rivalry between Colin McRae and Richard Burns was one of the most intense in rally history. Both drivers were incredibly talented and fiercely competitive, pushing each other to their limits on the world stage. Burns’ victory at the Acropolis Rally in 1999 was a turning point in their battle for supremacy, as McRae finally acknowledged Burns as a genuine threat.
McRae’s admission that he wanted to be known as Britain’s number one rally driver showed the level of ambition and determination that drove him throughout his career. However, he recognized that Burns’ impressive performances that year added credibility to the title of fastest Brit.
Despite their best efforts, neither McRae nor Burns were able to secure the 1999 drivers’ championship. That honor went to Tommi Mäkinen, who dominated the season with four victories. However, Burns’ strong finish secured him second place in the standings, while McRae finished sixth.
Burns’ success continued in the following years, with podium finishes and victories in prestigious rallies such as Australia and Great Britain. He eventually clinched the drivers’ championship in 2001, while McRae had to settle for second place.
The rivalry between McRae and Burns captivated rally fans around the world and showcased the incredible talent and skill of both drivers. Their battles on the stages were legendary, and their determination to be the best pushed them to achieve great success in their careers.
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In conclusion, Colin McRae’s admission that Richard Burns was a threat to his position as Britain’s top rally driver highlighted the intense competition between these two talented drivers. Their rivalry pushed them to new heights and captivated fans around the world. While neither driver won the 1999 championship, their battle for supremacy continued for years to come.