Burns and McRae ready to do battle

McRae, Tommi Makinen, Burns and Carlos Sainz could all take the title this weekend, however, having won the British event for the last six times between them, Burns and McRae head into the Welsh stages as definite favourites. After completing today's shakedown in difficult conditions McRae is confident the pressure won't get to him, but he is less sure about his main rival.

"There's obviously a lot of pressure on myself and Richard, but I'm feeling pretty relaxed about it all," said McRae. "I'm not sure about Richard though. Although the stage was quite wet and boggy, the car felt good.

"Today was just about continuing with the settings and making sure we were happy with the car and we've done that. So now we can relax and look forward."

Burns has won Rally GB for the last three years and is being tipped by his main rivals, except for McRae of course, as the man to win. He too was pleased with today's running.

"It was a good shakedown," he said. "I'm in the mood and ready to win."

Most drivers took it very easy on the shakedown stage, which was soft and rutted, in order avoid any unnecessary car damage before the opening superspecial stage on Thursday night.