Richard Burns (January 17, 1971 – November 25, 2005), born in Reading, Berkshire, England, was a World Rally Champion in 2001 and remains one of rallying’s most cherished figures. Known for his precision, calm demeanor, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Burns left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport.
Burns’ love affair with cars began at the tender age of eight when he learned to drive his father’s old Triumph 2000. It was a humble beginning that sparked a passion, eventually leading him to the pinnacle of rallying. By the age of eleven, Burns was already showing signs of greatness. He joined the Under 17 Car Club, a proving ground for young talent, where he was voted Driver of the Year in 1984. Even at that young age, his potential was undeniable.
A pivotal moment came in 1986 when Burns attended Jan Churchill’s Welsh Forest Rally School. Driving a Ford Escort through the rugged terrain, Burns found his calling. The raw energy and skill required in rallying resonated with him deeply, igniting a flame that would never be extinguished.
In 1990, rally enthusiast David Williams recognized Burns’ potential and bought him a Peugeot 205 GTI to compete in the Peugeot Challenge. This was a turning point in his career, but it was also the year he met Robert Reid, who would become his co-driver and his trusted partner for the next twelve years. Their partnership was built on mutual respect, a shared passion for the sport, and an unshakeable bond that transcended the challenges of rallying.
Burns’ talent continued to blossom, and in 1993, he joined the Subaru Rally Team in the British Rally Championship. It was here that he truly announced himself on the rallying stage, winning four rallies in his first year and becoming the youngest-ever British Rally Champion. His driving was characterized by a smooth, calculated style that made him a formidable opponent.
The lure of the World Rally Championship (WRC) was too strong to resist, and in 1996, Burns signed with the Mitsubishi World Rally Team. He took on the world’s best with unwavering determination, and in 1998, he claimed his first WRC victory at the grueling Safari Rally, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Burns’ move to the Subaru World Rally Team in 1999 was a game-changer. In 1999 and 2000, he finished as the runner-up in the WRC standings, but it was in 2001 that everything came together. Driving precisely and confidently, Burns clinched the WRC title, becoming the first Englishman to achieve this feat. His victory was a personal triumph and a testament to his partnership with Robert Reid. When Burns crossed the finish line at the final stage of the 2001 season, his words, “You’re the best in the world,” directed at Reid, captured the essence of their collaboration.
After his championship win, Burns moved to Peugeot for the 2002 season. Though his time with the French team saw flashes of brilliance, it was marred by the cruel twist of fate that awaited him. In November 2003, as Burns was en route to compete in the season-ending Wales Rally GB, he suffered a blackout. This event marked the beginning of a battle far more daunting than any rally stage—a battle against an astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor.
Burns faced his illness with the same quiet determination that had defined his rallying career. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery in April 2005, he never lost hope. For a brief period in the summer of 2004, there was a glimmer of normalcy as he left the hospital, but his condition eventually worsened.
On November 25, 2005, exactly four years to the day after his World Rally Championship triumph, Richard Burns passed away at the age of 34. His death was a profound loss to the world of motorsport, but his legacy endures. Burns was more than just a champion; he was a man of humility, grace, and quiet strength. His journey from the boy who drove his father’s Triumph 2000 to the man who conquered the world of rallying is one of passion, perseverance, and indomitable spirit.
Today, Richard Burns is remembered for his achievements on the rally stages and for the inspiration he continues to provide aspiring drivers and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
The folks at BBC TopGear put together an incredible tribute…
World Rally Championship Statistics
World rallies: 104
Championships: 1 (2001)
Wins: 10
Podium finishes: 34
Stage wins: 277
Points: 351
First win: 1998 Safari Rally
Last win: 2001 New Zealand
Last world rally: 2003 Rally Catalunya
Here is a full rundown of Burns’ rallying career.