Richard Burns, the only Englishman to win the world rally championship, died from the effects of a brain tumour. He was 34.
Burns, the 2001 champion, died Friday after going into a coma, seven months after surgery to remove the tumor.
His last race was in 2003, when he led the championship. On the way to the Rally of Wales, he passed out at the wheel of his car and the resulting examinations diagnosed an astrocytoma, a form of tumour.
He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2004 but was forced into April's surgery when his health deteriorated.
The procedure alleviated the symptoms and allowed him to stay active for a time. In August, he attended a parade of the cars he had driven.
"From the outset Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour," said a statement on Burns' website.
Poor guy, only 34.
Burns, the 2001 champion, died Friday after going into a coma, seven months after surgery to remove the tumor.
His last race was in 2003, when he led the championship. On the way to the Rally of Wales, he passed out at the wheel of his car and the resulting examinations diagnosed an astrocytoma, a form of tumour.
He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2004 but was forced into April's surgery when his health deteriorated.
The procedure alleviated the symptoms and allowed him to stay active for a time. In August, he attended a parade of the cars he had driven.
"From the outset Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour," said a statement on Burns' website.
Poor guy, only 34.