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Former World rally champion dies at 34
London, England - Former World Rally champion Richard Burns, 34, has died as a result of a brain tumour that was diagnosed in almost exactly two years ago.
It was discovered after he blacked out while driving to race in the 2003 Rally of Wales.
The Briton died on Friday evening with his partner, family and close friends at his bedside. He had been in a coma for some days.
Burns became the only English driver to win the World championship while driving for Subaru in 2001. He had been due to return to Subaru in 2004 but his cancer forced him to withdraw.
The Briton, overall runner-up in 1999 and 2000 and winner of 10 rounds of the World rally championship, had a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2004 and in April this year underwent brain surgery.
A statement from his family read: "From the outset, Richard knew the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour.
"He was able to leave hospital in the middle of 2004 after chemotherapy and radiotherapy and for a while his health showed signs of improvement but six months later it began to decline again.
"Determined not to give up, he opted for surgery earlier this year. This alleviated some of the symptoms and enabled him to remain active," the statement added.
"At Castle Combe in August he attended a parade of the rally cars that he drove throughout his career and was touched by the warmth of the reception he received.
"However there was to be no miracle and in recent days he lapsed into a coma."
He died on the fourth anniversary of his championship win. - Reuters
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A sad day...
A great contributor to the world of rallying and a fine servant of Subaru, Richard Burns was one of the sport's great talents. Lending his coveted initials to a string of fabulous limited edition Imprezas, Richard will be fondly remembered by fans of the marque and missed by many.
A huge loss to rallying and motorsport in general.
Our condolences to family and loved ones.