SS7 latest: Burns takes the lead

The Subaru driver was fastest by a comfortable margin on both of the final stages to overhaul Tommi Makinen. Didier Auriol has also moved past the Finn to run in second.

Harri Rovanpera is currently winning the all-SEAT battle for the final points scoring position, having just moved ahead of team-mate Piero Liatti for sixth.

Freddy Loix has retired after another disappointing rally. He hit a rock on SS7 with enough force to put his Mitsubishi out of the event. The Belgian has never looked the same since his huge accident on the Safari Rally in February, but at least the team will stick by him for 2000.

Overall positions after SS7:

1. R Burns - 0.19.35.8

2. D Auriol - 0.19.50.5

3. T Makinen - 0.20.00.6

4. J Kankkunen - 0.19.39.9

5. C Sainz - 0.19.45.5