Subaru World Champion Richard Burns Passes Away


December 01, 2005

It is with very great sadness that we must announce the death of Richard Burns, the 2001 FIA World Rally Champion. Burns, who was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a form of brain tumour, in November 2003 passed away last night Friday 25th November peacefully. His partner Zoe, family and close friends were at his bedside.

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

Richard's memorial Service is to be held at St. Luke's Church, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NH, on 22nd December 2005 - service to start at 11.00 a.m.

It is also planned that there will be an audio broadcast of the service, accessible by either the WRC website or www.RichardBurns.com.

Richard Burns, Age: 34 Born: Reading, Berkshire – 17 January 1971

Richard Burns’ status as one of Britain’s top rally stars has been an extraordinary accomplishment. After rapidly gaining success on domestic turf, Richard turned to the international stage in 1994 where he concentrated on gaining valuable experience. He was rewarded in 1998 with a full WRC programme with Mitsubishi resulting in a move to Subaru in 1999. Having been runner-up that year and the following, his determination finally paid off when he was crowned World Rally Champion in 2001.

In 2002, the following year, Richard joined the Peugeot team but unfortunately was unable to retain his World Championship title. Continuing to drive for Peugeot in 2003 saw Richard using the skills he is renowned for – speed consistency, concentration and driving acumen.

Let’s start with the facts: Richard Burns was born in Reading on the 17th January, 1971. His earliest recollection of four wheels was at the tender age of eight, when his father, Alex allowed Richard behind the wheel of an old Triumph 2000 in a field near their home. Despite not being able to see over the wheel, Richard enjoyed the experience and would pester his Dad to allow him to repeat the game often. The game became a little more serious when Richard, aged eleven, joined an under seventeen's car club.

These early experiences developed into an interest for Richard; they proved to be invaluable as his early fascination turned to ambition.

In recognition of Richard's early displays behind the wheel, Alex decided to take Richard to a Welsh rally driving school where Richard was assessed. Two hours later and with a suitably impressed instructor/co-driver, Richard emerged stating that he wanted to be a rally driver. He was just fifteen.

By 1989, Richard had entered and been successful enough in minor domestic events to have caught the eye of fellow driver, David Williams, who was to become Richard's mentor and great personal friend. To this day, David is behind most of Richard's career decisions.

In the following

PAGE 1 | PAGE 2 | PAGE 3 | PAGE 4