Former WRC champion, thoughts about Richard Burns, a "gap" with a real face that a friend talks about

"Special existence" by photographer Colin McMaster

Richard Alexander Burns.Burnsie.RB.Richard.From the first time I met in 1994, an up -and -coming rally driver, to the time when I died in 2005, I have been a world champion and beyond him, as I am honored.I was.

I gave a speech at his memorial ceremony.If possible, I wanted to give a speech at a wedding with his beloved woman, Zoe, in return for what he did.

However, it did not come true, and Richard died of a brain tumor at the age of only 34.As usual, Richard had a great struggle, but he couldn't even beat the illness.The date of death was November 25, the same day as the title four years ago.

This cruel irony has a dark shadow on the happy memories of his 2001 in 2001 by Ko Driver's Robert Reed, and all the Subaru teams.Richard loved the party, and no one could stop him if he was worried.Here, I would like to express my respect to the memories, legally evaluate him, and introduce some stories that he will be a little shy.

Run like silk that I worked hard than anyone else

The acquisition of the world title was the culmination of Richard's dream.I strongly believe that this dream was realized by making more efforts than anyone else.Because I have witnessed a lot of time and effort he spent.

Shortly after meeting, I and the girlfriend at the time began living with Richard and his girlfriend in a renovated share house in the village of Odington at the end of Cotswolds.Later, he moved to Kidrinton on the outskirts of Oxford, and began to live with Richard and me (at that time, a single person).I had many opportunities to spend time with racing and rally drivers, which made me know the big difference between them.

Many competition drivers are dedicated, but Richard was absolutely enthusiastic and did anything to improve.For example, he was constantly improving to make the pace notes faster, and he ordered all onboard video tapes from a television production company and spent a lot of time studying.Few people may have the same talent as Richard, but it was a pure effort to push him to the top.He worked more than anyone, analyzed his driving and driving stages in detail, and dedicated to the top.

Only when I was satisfied, I was watching my favorite TV program "The Simpsons".An example of that effort is its unique split pace note system.He and Robert Reed, the co -driver, have broken down all corners into three parts: the entrance, the top, and the exit.It was very difficult to handle so much, but they did it brilliantly.

They were such a team, and while rivals were deprived of their vision in the fog, they continued to spend their time as if they were visible.It was invincible.Robert was able to accurately describe the route.Richard was completely trusted by him, and he was able to update his time because he had the ability to accept everything he said.Intelligence, speed, brave ... a partnership that combines everything.

However, there were times when the evaluation was worth the speed.I have seen him over the lens and I am convinced that it was ridiculously fast.The fastest time statistics of the stage in the career tell the story.To truly evaluate his artificiality holding the steering wheel, it would be enough to have some understanding.His style was as smooth as silk, and at the corner exit was much higher than rivals.Rally, which requires super -fast and accuracy, such as Finland, you can clearly see it.In recent years, only Richard has been able to fight with locals.

Of course, the style was contrasting almost everything from Colin McRlee.The World Rally Championships from the late 1990s to the early 2000s was a great era for British people.Passing through my camera lens, Colin always looked gorgeous and bold, but Richard did not.He has his own fast running, is effective, but not always eye -catching.

The confrontation extended to the media, and Colin spontaneously stated his opinion when he got off the car.But both of them were shy, and in a few years they were at the top of each other, and I felt they were the best friends.The worries were that in the early days, Colin's younger brother, ARistar, was struggling by Richard.Unfortunately, Colin was unable to control himself and involved the media, and in the process involved Richard.I think I lost Colin in the media, but it's another story on stage.

I checked the good relationship between Colin and Richard with my own eyes.At the Lobby Head wedding in South Africa in South Africa in 2002, one of the happiest memories for me is the two people.They shared a huge rental house in Cape Town and have been a party for a week before the wedding.The respect and friendship of each other were clearly clear.

Image Richard Burns [See all photos] 11 pieces