Burns aiming for fast start

Britain’s former world champion Richard Burns believes he will be much better prepared when he tackles the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally next month.

The 2001 champion finished eighth last year on his debut for Peugeot but will be looking for a higher placing this time with the French car giant targeting a home win on the event.

“To win it is going to take a lot more work than last year,” said the Englishman, who lost his drivers’ crown to team-mate Marcus Gronholm last season.

“But I’m certainly going to be better prepared than I was last season. Last year the car wasn’t set up right at all. It was difficult to drive, which is the worst thing you can have on that rally.”

Peugeot are determined to win the event – which takes place in the French Alps above Monaco – having missed out for the past three seasons despite going on to win the manufacturers’ championship each time.

“We want to do well and win every round of the championship,” said team director Corrado Provera.

“But we are a French team and this is Monte Carlo. We have done the rally three times with the 206 WRC and each time it has been unsuccessful.

“Victory in Monte Carlo followed by winning the championship would be perfect.”