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Burns still clinging to title dream

Reigning WRC champion Richard Burns says he won't give up on retaining his title until the stats say it is impossible for him to do so, but admits team-mate Marcus Gronholm would need to make some pretty big mistakes to allow him to keep his crown

Gronholm has a 23-point lead over Burns as they prepare for Rally New Zealand, which kicks off with a ceremonial start in Auckland on Thursday, before heading out to the fast gravel stages on Friday.

"The championship is being dragged away from me by Marcus," said Burns. "But I know until every single mathematical possibility has receded then you always hope and always try your hardest. Out of the next three rallies basically I need to win two and have a good result in the third with Marcus not scoring - that's very unlikely. But as always, I'll be doing all I can to make sure I maximise my chances."

Burns is a fan of the New Zealand event, but with Day Two of the rally kicking off a 6am and finishing at 11pm, he did say there could be one improvement.

"Like many people I think the stages are the best in the world," he said. "The only way it could be improved would be to alter the timetable so that there are fewer early mornings and late nights. Our mechanics basically don't sleep from Friday because of the distances involved and the timetable."

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