Peugeot boss praises Burns

Speaking to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, Provera said he sees similarities between Burns and 2000 world champion Gronholm, who has eight WRC wins to his name from his time at Peugeot.

"I see a lot in common between Richard and Marcus," said Provera. "Both are intensely focussed, and both are naturally fast. Marcus came out of his shell with us at Peugeot and I see the same happening to Richard. He drove a brilliant rally. He has settled in faster than anybody thought."

Burns finished fourth on the Swedish Rally, setting three fastest stage times on the final leg after pushing Ford's Carlos Sainz hard for third place. Burns lost time on the first day when he urged co-driver Robert Reid to clear snow from the car's radiator after hitting a snowbank, and it is this kind of calmness under pressure that Provera appreciates in his drivers.

"I admire the thought Richard puts into his driving," explained Provera. "He only lost a bit of time hitting the snowbank on day one, but chose to stop for a minute to clear the radiator. Tommi Makinen did not do that and subsequently retired. Richard was very calm and did not panic. So is Marcus, and they are the type of people who will do well at Peugeot."