Pirelli, Burns and Subaru extend WRC lead

Lloret de Mar (Spain), April 2, 2000 - Richard Burns and Subaru-Pirelli have extended their respective World Rally Championship leads after Burns took his Impreza WRC2000 to a close 2nd place in Catalunya. After one of the most thrilling competitions in memory, Burns missed victory by just 5.9s. However this result marks a major step forward for Subaru and Pirelli as it confirms the great steps forward in competitiveness made on asphalt in recent months, thanks to the Subaru-Pirelli collaboration.

The Catalunya Rally has been a superb technical achievement for the latest evolutions of the PZero range of asphalt tyres. In the heavy rain of the opening day Burns made full use of the N-pattern wet tyres to establish a lead in the event. Although a mechanical problem cost him the lead he was able to challenge for victory all the way to the final stage using the dry weather RP tyre in compound 5 (Saturday) and softer compound 7 (Sunday).

The World Rally Championship now switches back to gravel for the next five events, three of which were won by Subaru-Pirelli last season. Naturally we are feeling very confident that the just renewed partnership with Subaru will enjoy fresh successes in the coming months&

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS (after 5 events)

Drivers:
1. Burns pt.28; 2. Makinen 19; 3. Gromnholm 18; 4. Sainz 17; 5. McRae 14; 6. Kankkunen 11; 7. Auriol 4; 8. Gardemeister, Radstrom e Rovanpera 3...

Manufacturers:
1. Subaru-Pirelli pt.41; 2. Ford 31; 3. Mitsubishi 24; 4. Peugeot 22; 5. SEAT-Pirelli 7; 6. Skoda 5

Group N:
1. Stohl pt.27; 2. Campos 13; 3. Menzi and Trelles 12; 5. Paasonen 11; 6. Nittel 10. . .

Next World Champ. event: Argentina (all gravel), May 11-14