Burns blows it.
2001 World Rally Champion Richard Burns has crashed out of the Propecia Rally New Zealand after rolling in SS15 – Paparoa Station. Burns lost control 11 km’s into the stage throwing away a commanding 44.3 second lead over his Peugeot team-mate Marcus Gronholm. Burns had led the event since the opening stage and had set the fastest time through the previous stage – SS14. Meanwhile Gronholm now looks set to win the event and clinch the 2002 Drivers’ crown. The Finn has a 31.7 second lead over his fellow countryman Harri Rovanpera, who is second.
Mitsubishi withdraws Alister McRae.
Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart today announced that they have decided to withdraw car number 8, crewed by Alister McRae and David Senior, on medical grounds. Alister suffered a small fall from his mountain bike while training prior to the San Remo Rally. While medical checks at the time revealed no serious problems, he is suffering from a soft tissue injury. Therefore, to allow sufficient recuperation prior to Rally New Zealand in two weeks time, the team decided to withdraw Alister and Senior from the event.
Skoda’s Dr Pohlmann undergoes Pelvis surgery.
Dr Jens Pohlmann, the senior Skoda Auto executive who was badly injured when knocked down by an out-of-control emergency vehicle during the recent FIA Rally of Argentina, underwent Pelvis surgery this morning (Tuesday) in Cordoba’s Hospital de Urgencias. It is reported by the hospital’s Head of Intensive Care, Dr Edgar Lacombe, that the 54-year-old German, Skoda Auto’s Engineering Director with responsibility for motor sport, is making slow but steady progress.