However he did it. And he did it the onerous approach. Hustled to the end by Burns’ Mitsubishi, McRae’s Subaru was wilting by way of the ultimate day. The alternator failed on the Impreza WRC97 forcing him to kill the present feeding all the things however essentially the most essential electrical components. With out followers to chill the flat-four, the engine temperature soared to 130C, however he managed the second and secured the rostrum’s high step.
With the Englishman one step down, that end result was the primary one-two for British drivers within the then 24-year historical past of the world championship.
Burns’ massive second arrived 12 months on. Even with McRae having gained the Safari – and Corsica in 1997 – the distinction in method and driving model between RB and Colin remained a storyline for the 1998 Safari. And it was Richard’s strategic, head-led line of assault that delivered a heart-felt maiden WRC win. Once more, it wasn’t with no final-day scare as his Carisma required a late sump change incurring street penalties and conserving the Ralliart crew on its toes.
McRae’s 1999 win with the then nonetheless box-fresh Ford Focus WRC99 was a outstanding feat. Rivals demanded to know from their crew bosses the way it was doable that this automobile may win with so little testing time. Reality is, M-Sport construct sturdy automobiles and McRae had greater than mastered the artwork of profitable as slowly as doable.
