Burns praises new champion Gronholm

Gronholm, who needed only a point in Wales to guarantee his first world title, took his Peugeot to second overall, giving him a final score of 65 points to Burns' 60.

"Marcus has driven under massive pressure on the last two events here and in Australia," said Burns after the final stage at Margam. "He made no mistakes and I've been beaten by a better driver this year."

Both drivers won three events during the 2000 season: Burns' Network Q victory makes him only the third driver to win three of Britain's traditional WRC season-closer in a row.

"I don't think you should commiserate with me," he added. "Marcus proved to be a fantastic driver and he deserved the title. I'm just happy to have finished the rally after what happened on Friday. It's fantastic to win here."

Gronholm, who has deflected talk of titles all week, finally admitted that the crown was his, saying: "It's very important for me and it's great that it's another Finn winning. I'm glad it's me."

The podium ceremony takes place at four o'clock in the centre of Cardiff, leaving only one service and a road section between Gronholm and the official confirmation that he is the 2000 World Rally Champion.

To read Rally GB: winners' press conference click here.

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Burns praises new champion Gronholm

Richard Burns, winner of the Network Q Rally of Great Britain for the third year in a row, has praised the man who beat him to the world title - Finland's Marcus Gronholm