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Rally GB: End of Leg One - Burns playing catch-up

A dramatic first full day of this year's Rally GB has ended with the World Rally Championship still favouring Marcus Gronholm, but with Richard Burns on a charge that could yet see the Englishman take a hat-trick of home wins

While Gronholm has had the luxury of a trouble-free day, Burns has been playing catch-up after slamming into a log-pile and severely damaging his left rear suspension. "I didn't think anything of it at first," he said, "but on the next straight I realised we had a big problem."

With his heart in his mouth Burns effected temporary repairs at the roadside after the stage and was able to complete the next two tests, albeit at a significant time loss. However, from 21st, Burns clawed his way back up the leaderboard to lie fifth overall tonight.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow because it's a different day from today," said Burns. "I know that I can push and get some more time back. I'll be focussing on Colin (McRae) tomorrow because it doesn't affect me what Marcus (Gronholm) does. Colin will be difficult to catch, but that's what I have to try to do."

While victory is clearly not impossible, the big question is whether Gronholm can stay calm and not do anything to risk the top five result that would give him the title regardless of where Burns finishes.

The British fans may be urging Burns on to that crucial victory but it is arch-rival Colin McRae who tops the leaderboard this evening. Amid the seething cauldron of partisan spectators in Sweet Lamb's famous 'bowl', McRae's fastest time and subsequent rally lead was the cue for a massive firework party.

At the moment it seems that McRae and second placed Gronholm have the legs on their rivals but with less than a minute covering the top five places, and five of the event's longest stages on tomorrow's schedule, it is clear that there is everything to play for.

To see the latest standings at the end of Leg One, click HERE.

To see the schedule click here. (NOTE: All times are in GMT)

To see current championship standings click here.


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