Peugeot boss speaks out over Burns

"We think there are four best drivers in the world, who can win on any surface: Colin McRae, Tommi Makinen, Richard Burns and Marcus Gronholm. So Richard is one of the top four drivers in the world. We think that the way he has been driving and behaving fits very well with our team. Peugeot wants stability and a long programme and now for next year we have two of the four best drivers in the world. And with Harri Rovanpera and Gilles Panizzi getting equal machinery for their rallies, we will always have three drivers who can win the events."



"I don't want people to think we're wiping tears from eyes here but yes, Richard did drive for us very early in his career and it has been a sort of dream to have him back here."



"I don't agree. We think they are quite similar. They have paid each other a lot of respect. Of course they will be fighting at the front of the field next year but as long as they both are fighting for the manufacturer, then it will be fine. And I believe they both understand this.



"I'm very sad that we won't be working together next year. As a driver, Didier is still an extremely fast pilot. And as a human being, he is a fine person with a lot of charm. Unfortunately, sometimes this year we have seen our engineers on one side, Didier on the other and the two parties working very differently. We would like to thank him for what he has done, and what he will do between now and the end of the year. And to say how sorry we are that such a top champion has not had such a good time with us. Maybe it's our fault."