Burns making progress

Former World Rally Champion Richard Burns has revealed he is “feeling a lot better” as he continues his treatment for a brain tumour which saw him confined to hospital for several weeks.

Burns suffered a blackout at the wheel of his Porsche while travelling on the motorway ahead of the Wales Rally GB in November 2003.

He was subsequently diagnosed as having a condition known as astrocytoma – a virulent form of brain tumour – which required him to undergo radiotherapy.

Burns was forced to withdraw from the remainder of last year’s championship, while he still had a slim chance of winning the title which was clinched by Petter Solberg, and was ruled out of the 2004 event.

However, the 2001 world champion has now left hospital, returning only for sessions of chemotherapy.

He told www.richardburnsrally.com: “I’m feeling a lot better.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time but I left hospital about six weeks ago which is a boost for me personally.

“I’m still undergoing regular treatment which will continue until the consultants sign me off.

“The level of support from my family, friends and fans has been incredible and is very much appreciated.”

Despite his illness, the 33-year-old has been keeping up with the progress of this year’s championship but refused to offer his own prediction of the final outcome of the battle between Subaru’s Solberg and current leader Sebastien Loeb, of Peugeot.

“I think it’s all really exciting,” he said. “I would have to say it’s between Petter and Sebastian for the title, but it’s going to be a close call. There are some interesting new rallies for this year too.”