Battle of the Brits set to commence

Ford driver McRae is keen to end his season on a high.

His 1999 season has been disappointing, despite wins in the Safari and Portugese rallies, disqualification from the Monte Carlo rally and various other maladies halted the Scot's championship charge.

Burns is fresh from a win in Australia [he also won the Acropolis event earlier in the season], and is looking to prove he is the fastest British driver.

Last weekend, the Subaru driver voiced his discontent at McRae's image as the best British driver.

He told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: 'I have to say I think Colin is living on his reputation, a bit like Damon Hill has been in Formula One.

'I can understand the recognition he gets. He's won 18 rallies and the World Championship. I've won four rallies.

'But people inside the sport recognise what's going on now and how it's changed this year.

'I'm going to finish ahead of him in the Championship whatever happens.'

Burns also said the Rally of Great Britain would be fight between himself and McRae.

Both drivers have enjoyed previous wins at the rally. McRae has won the event three times [1994, 1995, 1997] and Burns' claimed victory last year.

'I believe that it's going to be between me and Colin - and that I will be the winner,' he said.

Meanwhile, McRae believes Burns still has to prove himself in the rally.

He told Autosport magazine: 'Maybe Richard's miffed I get more publicity, but I don't think he should show it.

'We should just let the driving do the talking: that's what I'm going to do.'


Due to technical problems, Radio Autosport will not be broadcasting from this weekend's Rally of Great Britain.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to listeners.

Autosport.com will however continue to bring you live stage-by-stage coverage from the event.