Burns will win WRC title, says Gronholm

Burns, who is leaving Subaru to join Gronholm at Peugeot for next year, heads to the season-closing event just one point behind Tommi Makinen in the drivers' standings on 40 points and two adrift of arch rival Colin McRae. Carlos Sainz, with 33, could also take the title making it a four-way tie heading into the event.

However, Gronholm, who beat Burns to the title at last year's Rally GB, believes that the Brit's form on the event in recent years, with three wins in the last three years, means he is the favourite to take the honours.

"I think it will be Richard," Gronholm told RallyXS. "But I'm sure it will be a close fight. He's been the best driver in the Welsh forests for a while now, and he recovered well from an early accident to push Colin into a mistake. Colin will be close, of course. It'll be between the two British drivers. Tommi needs them to have problems."

Gronholm, however, will also be pushing for a win himself and does not intend to let the world championship contenders off without a fight. The Finn finished second in Wales in 2000 and will be fighting to hold onto Peugeot's lead in the manufacturuers' championship this year.

"Tommi won't be able to keep up with us if we're having a fight," said Burns. "Marcus might be able to spoil Coilin's party though. Or mine!"

For the full story and title predictions from the WRC's biggest stars, check out the latest RallyXS, on sale now in WHSmith.