Burns withdraws from the Monte Carlo Rally.

After encountering mechanical problems on his return to parc ferme, the Subaru World Rally Team has decided to withdraw Richard Burns before the start of day two of the Monte Carlo Rally.

The decision was reportedly made in order to prevent any further mechanical damage to the car so that a full examination can be carried out. The problem became progressively worse, indicating that the engine would not survive another two days of competition.

"It is a tough decision to withdraw Richard, and we might be inclined to continue to the bitter end, but we have agreed that this is the right course of action." Team Principal David Lapworth explained. "This will enable us to determine the cause of the problem and ensure it does not happen again."

Lapworth added, "Naturally we have looked to see if there is any comparison with the failure of Markko's car yesterday morning, but it seems clear that the two are unrelated. Richard's problem developed slowly and worsened and has completely different symptoms to Markko's car, which suddenly stopped, and we have identified has an electrical origin."

"This is not the way to start the season, but I am pleased that the new Impreza has shown that it can be competitive straight away. One of the team's strengths is that it is prepared to take risks, but occasionally of course there is a cost to this." Said Burns, who had been fourth overall at the end of the first leg.

"But I am relaxed as the engineers are already on the case, and I know that we can confidently look forward to a great battle with all the other drivers for the rest of the year," the Englishman added defiantly.

Meanwhile with SS7 still in progress, Tommi Makinen is currently fastest - some 8 seconds ahead of overall Rally leader, Colin McRae.