McRae's chance of clinching the world driver's championship was dealt a knockout blow by a steward who deemed Colin McRae illegible to choose his position on the road. This in effect meant McRae would be first out on the road, a disadvantage as it would mean that he would have to pay "road sweeper" (clearing the gravel for the driver's after him).
Ford played a bit of tactics and made Francois Delecour go out first (delibrately checking in first ahead of Colin so he could be first out...even though Delecour was not happy about it) but during the stage, Delecour had to hit a tree, injuring his navigator who had to be air-lifted to hospital.
In the end, McRae finished fifth ahead of Makinnen with Carlos Sainz down in eigth position.
With Peugoet's strong performance on the last two tarmac rallies and claiming 3 of the top 4 positions in Perth, they've moved ahead of Ford for manufacturer's championship (on 90 points with Ford on 86).
Richard Burns of Subaru was the big winner of Rally Australia. Finishing second took his total up to 40 points, just one behind Tommi and two behind championship leader Colin McRae.
Incidently, the final round (Rally of Great Britian) is Burn's favorite since he comes from Britian. Since this is also Colin's home rally, it should be very interesting to see who comes out on top!
Colin had better win or I'm going to hunt down that steward in Perth and dish him a big fist burger :angry:
Ford played a bit of tactics and made Francois Delecour go out first (delibrately checking in first ahead of Colin so he could be first out...even though Delecour was not happy about it) but during the stage, Delecour had to hit a tree, injuring his navigator who had to be air-lifted to hospital.
In the end, McRae finished fifth ahead of Makinnen with Carlos Sainz down in eigth position.
With Peugoet's strong performance on the last two tarmac rallies and claiming 3 of the top 4 positions in Perth, they've moved ahead of Ford for manufacturer's championship (on 90 points with Ford on 86).
Richard Burns of Subaru was the big winner of Rally Australia. Finishing second took his total up to 40 points, just one behind Tommi and two behind championship leader Colin McRae.
Incidently, the final round (Rally of Great Britian) is Burn's favorite since he comes from Britian. Since this is also Colin's home rally, it should be very interesting to see who comes out on top!
Colin had better win or I'm going to hunt down that steward in Perth and dish him a big fist burger :angry: