Burns crowned World Rally Champion

After negotiating the final stage at Margam 2 in torrential rain, the longest test of the day, Burns and co-driver Robert Reid were able to relax in the knowledge the championship was won.

"It's great that it happened here," said Burns. "I had to change my focus completely after the first day. I've been trying and I've been close [to winning the title] for the last three years. The first half of this season was terrible. It's a shame I didn't win the rally, but the championship is what it's all about.

"It's amazing, what else do you need to know? I'm ecstatic!" he added. "It feels absolutely fantastic, I still can't believe it. It's just such a relief."

His co-driver Robert Reid said: "We've both been concentrating so hard and haven't had a chance to think about it. Now we've finished, it's absolutely amazing. I can't believe it."

The 30-year-old Subaru star held his nerve on the final day of the event to overcome erstwhile points leader Colin McRae, who crashed out just four stages into the event. His other rivals also hit trouble, with Tommi Makinen going out when a wheel came off his Mitsubishi Lancer on Friday, and Ford's Carlos Sainz was withdrawn after Saturday's accident which involved several spectators.

Despite winning the title, Burns has already decided to leave Subaru to join Peugeot in 2002. The French marque wrapped up the manufacturers' title this weekend, and Burns will bring the number one plate to them for next year's opener, the Monte Carlo Rally.

Outgoing world champion Marcus Gronholm won the rally for the first time his his Peugeot 206 WRC. Gronholm was the first to congratulate Burns on becoming his successor after the Subaru came to a halt at the end of the final stage.

For full rally live timings, click here.

For rally itinerary, click here.

For full entry list, click here.