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Former WRC Champ Richard Burns Dies

Written by Josh Katinger · November 27, 2005

Richard Burns, who in 2001 became the only Englishman in history to win the WRC title, died on Friday after a battle with cancer. Burns was 34 years old.


WRC.com: Richard Burns: 1971-2005
Motorsport.com: Richard Burns loses his final challenge
Telegraph.co.uk: Richard Burns, a lifetime dedicated to winning

From a statement put out by Richard’s family…

“From the outset Richard knew the odds were heavily against him, 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 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.”

In a year already rocked by the death of British co-driver Michael Park in the WRC Wales Rally GB, English rally fans are again dealt a harsh blow. While Burns’ condition and his long battle with a brain tumor were no secret, it doesn’t make the news any easier.

Memorials to Richard can be left on his personal website here: www.richard-burns.co.uk/memorials

Rest in peace Mr. Burns.

Richard Burns Factfile

1971: Born Reading, January 17.
1988: Made rallying debut.
1990: Won the British Peugeot GTI Cup
1991: Peugeot GTI rally champion.
1992: Won the Mintex National Championship.
1993: Won the British Championship.
1994: Elected for World Championship events.
1995: Finished third in Hong Kong-Beijing, Thailand and Rally of Great Britain.
1996: Won the Rally of New Zealand.
1997: Finished second in the Safari Rally.
1998: Won the Rally of Great Britain.
1999: Won rallies in Greece and Australia.
2000: First Briton to win his home event three times in succession.
2001: Wins world title for Subaru.
2002: Ended the season fifth.
2003: Blacks out at the wheel of his Porsche on the M4. November 17 - ruled out of 2004 World Rally Championship because of a brain tumour.
2004: Continues treatment.
2005: April 26 - Undergoes an operation.
November 26 - Dies aged 34

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