The 2001 FIA World Rally Championship reached its conclusion today and the Subaru crew of Richard Burns and Robert Reid have been crowned world champions, taking the title to Britain for the second time in six years. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, Peugeot scoops the honours for the second consecutive year, the French manufacturer taking maximum points in three of the last four events.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Tommi Makinen

Mitsubishi Motors rounded off a victorious season in which the World Cup was claimed in Sanremo by dominating the leaderboard in the Group N production car category. Driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Peru’s Ramon Ferreyros finished a close second, just 2.8 seconds behind British driver David Higgins, after the most exciting battle of the rally. In a telling display of reliability, Mitsubishi drivers took 11 of the first 12 places in the production class.

The anticipated showdown in the Rally of Great Britain was over almost before it began, the retirements of Tommi Makinen and Colin McRae slashing the four-horse race into two almost instantly. For Championship outsider Carlos Sainz, an early puncture put paid to almost any hopes of victory and the Spaniard was ultimately withdrawn by Ford after yesterday’s incident involving spectators. In a sport that can deal cruel blows, the events have almost overshadowed a faultless performance by out-going champion Marcus Gronholm, who won the Rally of Great Britain for the first time in his career, and a measured drive by Burns as he cruised to third position and his first world title.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Freddy Loix

The final leg of the Rally of Great Britain and the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship dawned wet and windy, the crews facing treacherous conditions in the closing four stages to the northwest of Cardiff. Gronholm, having pulled out nearly two minutes, was under no pressure from his rivals, but Peugeot team-mate Harri Rovanpera powered into second position as Burns eased the pace, all too aware that he could even drop to fourth to clinch the title. Behind the leading trio, Hyundai’s Alister McRae finished a fine fourth overall in his last outing with the Korean manufacturer before joining Mitsubishi next season.

Ramon Ferreyros was the Group N leader for much of the rally on his first appearance in Britain this year and came within seconds of a dramatic victory in his Lancer Evolution.

"We have tried very hard all through the rally and I am very pleased with this result. Of course it would have been nice to win, but conditions have been so difficult today, with a lot of aquaplaning", Ferreyros commented.

Promising British driver Alistair Ginley put in the drive of his life to take third in Group N, a career-best result in his Mitsubishi Carisma GT, overhauling Swede Stig Blomqvist with the finish practically in sight.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GT Gr.N R. Ferreyros / J. Marin