"Burnsie" Attends Rallyday 2005

16 August 2005

Former World Rally Champion Richard Burns made a surprise appearance at Rallyday 2005, which took place at Castle Combe Circuit on Saturday 13 August.

Richard attended the event to witness some of his original rally cars being driven on the event's Feature Rally Stage by some of his closest rallying friends, including Mark Higgins, Martin Rowe and Colin McRae. Richard was then driven around the circuit for a lap of honour by co-driver Robert Reid, to cheers of support and applause from the thousands of attending spectators.

Adding to the list of World Rally Champions at Rallyday was Colin McRae, driving alongside brother Alister; together they delighted the crowds with terrific driving displays of car control in their own Mk2 Escorts.

Despite wet conditions, the Rallyday crowd's enthusiasm could not be dampened, as they were treated to the UK's first live appearance of the Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05, in the hands of Mitsubishi Motor Sports WRC driver Gigi Galli.

1979 World Rally Champion Bjorn Waldegard was reunited with two of the Porsche 911s he originally campaigned in the 1970s and he joined Pentti Airikkala and Tony Mason to reminisce about their glory days of rallying.

Fans of Group B rally cars were treated to a fantastic action display of original ex-works cars, including Lancia 037s, Ford RS200s, MG Metro 6R4s, Renault 5 Maxis and Peugeot 205 Turbo 16s.

David Llewellin, alongside Phil Short, drove Audi UK's awesome quattro S1 E2 in spectacular fashion, along with four other immaculate ex-works quattros. In addition, a 75-strong parade of original quattro turbos helped to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the car which revolutionised rallying in the 1980s.

The star-studded event also included Gwyndaf Evans, Jonny Milner, Phil Mills, Michael Park and Phil Collins, while the action was complimented by feature demonstrations from the world of Rally Raid and Rallycross, stunning driving displays from Russ Swift and live commentary by TV personalities Jon Desborough and Tony Mason.

Packed with more action, celebrities, original works rally cars and larger crowds than ever before, Rallyday 2005 confirmed its status as the UK's premier rally car show.

Visit www.rallyday.com for official images from the event.

See calendar for events at Castle Combe Circuit

Related Story 03.06.2005 - Stars Gather for Rallyday 2005