'Puncture' delays Burns
In the latest twist of what is rapidly becoming rallying's answer to the World Chess Championship, Richard Burns collected a mysterious puncture in the start control before Sunday's opening stage.
As a result Burns was delayed changing the wheel and will now run behind Tommi Makinen throughout the day's four stages - unless more tactics come into play.
It is permitted to change wheels in the control without penalty and so this master stroke has wiped out Makinen's tactical jump start on yesterday's penultimate stage.
The reason behind this cat and mouse activity is that no one wants to run first on roads that are thick with Western Australia's notorious 'ball bearing' gravel that makes traction near impossible to find for the early cars.
Makinen set fastest time on the first of Sunday's stages but Burns was second. Makinen led the event from Marcus Gronholm with Burns now just 2.5 seconds adrift in third. Makinen must win this event to stay in the championship but Gronholm and Burns seem set to decide the title in a winner take all finale at the Rally GB.
To see the very latest standings, click here. And to see the schedule click here.
Remember, the times in our live rally table are in local time in Perth, which is eight hours ahead of GMT.
Visit the official Telstra Rally Australia website at www.rallyaustralia.com.au
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