BURNS ROLLS OUT OF NEW ZEALAND RALLY - RESULTS STAGES 9 TO 15
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Richard Burns is out of the rally after he rolled in Stage 15. He was leading Gronholm by almost one minute at this stage.
Harri Rovenpera is now second, trailing by 31 second after stage 15, followed by Petter Solberg, who is flying in the Subaru
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Leader after 15 - Gronholm going very strong!
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Peugeot team boss Corrado Provera expressed his sadness after Richard Burns crashed out on SS15 of Rally New Zealand.
The Englishman had led the rally from the start and looked in a good position to pick up his first win with reigning champs Peugeot. However Burns crashed out towards the end of the 11.64km Paparoa Station test, handing the drivers' title to team-mate Marcus Gronholm.
"It's very, very sad what happened to Richard," said a subdued Provera. "It has been a fantastic battle between Richard and Marcus in this rally and sadly there has been a victim, which is Richard. He was dominant in the rally and Marcus didn't give up either.
"The only difference in our approach now will be our numbers will change around next year, Marcus will have number one and Richard will have number two," he added. "But we still have to finish this rally. And after this rally we have to finish Australia. And after Australia we have to finish Great Britain.
Ford's Markko Martin crashed out on the previous stage, ensuring that Peugeot racked up its third consecutive manufacturers' title. But Provera felt that it was not the right time to celebrate.
"As for the constructors' championship, it's always upsetting to win in the circumstances we have [following Markko Martin's accident], but the team has done a fantastic job all year," said the Italian. "Nothing is decided on just one rally. For now we will concentrate on doing our best and seeing another one-two. Hopefully tomorrow we will have reason to celebrate."
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