R.I.P Richard Burns

[Minicross424]

A big shock and very sad to hear it.
Such a shame that he never partnered solberg as they would have made a strong pairing.

[ascarmarshal]

I was stunned when I heard the news. I saw Richard on his last rally in Spain in 2003 was a gentleman when we spoke.

RIP Richard

[BootsOntheSide]

This is truly awful. RIP Richard, thanks for the memories, and best wishes to his family at this tragic time. For all the talk about a certain footballer, this is a real tragedy.

[BootsOntheSide]

Realistically I was aware that he was unlikely to recover and was living on borrowed time, but you still don't expect it so suddenly, especially after the weeks of round-the-clock George Best updates. He and Park going so close together is remenscant of Peterson and Nilsson all those years ago. I expect Richard's family wanted his end to be more dignified. I'm sure I speak for everyone in offering my sympathy at the loss of a talented, brave and honourable man. Don't expect the media to care too much, it's not as if he did anything interesting like drunk-driving or hitting a woman.

[Mike_Wooshy]

RIP Richard a great guy lost too soon !

[MichaelH]

I read through this thread earlier but at the time couldn't think of anything to say. Like Boots I was kind of aware that he was unlikely to recover, remember reports from the Rally Day at Castle Combe didn't sound too promising and I kind of expected the worst at some stage. But not now, read it on ceefax and totally froze, because I so wanted Richard to make a recovery and return to the stages, wanted him to step into that Subaru seat alongside Solberg and remind everyone what a quite superb driver he was.

I think the key thing about Richard was that aside from being one of the great WRC drivers of modern times, he was a thoroughly likeable personality too. Nothing starry or arrogant about him, every time he was interviewed, every time he was on TV he showed himself to be a normal, everyday bloke with a great sense of humour, a really pleasent manner and a real passion for what he was doing. I never met him but I wish I had.

I'll always remember his Championship win in 2001 and the Subaru years late 1999-2000 where for a brief while he was untouchable. But my biggest memory will be New Zealand 2002, Richard had endured such a tough season for Peugeot, from the first stage of the first day he was so fired up and drove out of his skin, absolutely 'on it', people say Colin McRae was more spectacular but times like this Richard proved he could be every bit as fast. He opened up a 30 second lead and for a day and a bit was absolutely the best man out there, before crashing out. His response...."oh, no!", said it all and I was so gutted for him that day.

My favourite WRC driver ever and will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him or followed the WRC. Rest in peace Richard.

[Big-O]

RIP Richard Burns, you'll be missed, true Champion.

[davyboy]

Shocking news this morning, I'm struggling to take it in, most people I've spoken to today seem to be equally stunned. I think we all thought Richard would make some sort of recovery from this illness. England's only world rally champion lost so early. A true tragedy. Like everyone else here, my deepest sympathies go out to the Burns family at this dreadfully difficult time. RIP Richard

[alfan]

I really thought, that he will make it...RIP

[Alex Hodgkinson]

very sad news indeed. RIP Richard.

[Fiorentina 1]

This is so sad. RIP.

Condolences go to all his family and friends.

[blue nose]

RIP Richard. To young to pass but he has made his mark.

[Yoong Montoya]

I hadn't heard anything about him for a while - I thought he was on the way to recovery. Very sad news. RIP Richard. At least he was around long enough to become world champion.

[Alex Hodgkinson]

RIP Richard.

This is very sad news indeed.

I'm still sat here stunned after having received the news only a few minutes ago.

Very sad to of lost a great champion.

[jimbomit]

Gutted, Richard was one of the main reasons I developed such a passion for motorsport.

Truely sad loss.

[We Love Osella]

I heard the sad news today, My thoughts are with Richards Friends and Family

[Alex K]

You will be remembered Richard.
I thought you will come back... RiP

[st1100]

a very sad lose to motorsport RIP rb5

[SALEEN S7R]

Very sad news. I too thought Richard was on the road to recovery. RIP.

[CombeMarshal]

A truly sad day, I wish the Burns Family all the best.
You only had to hear the crowd At Castle Combe at the Rally day when he showed his face to know What people Thought of him.
RIP Richard Burns

[Chris_SLH]

Extremely sad news indeed. RIP Richard Burns.

I am just glad that he had a dignified passing without the media circus circling around. Best wishes to his family in their time of sorrow.

[429CJ]

Hard to believe, Richard was a year younger than me.
Life isn't always fair.
RIP Burnsie.

[alesi95]

I like many was under the impression that Richard was on the road to recovery.
It is very sad news to hear of the loss of the greatest Rally driver to come from England.
Rest in peace.

[aland]

RIP Richard, deepest condolences to his family.

a very sad day for motorsport

[Fab]

So young All my sympathy to his family.

And Richard, all the best for eternity now, wherever you are.

RIP.