"I have to thank the other teams for stopping to help, but the fire became so intense it was impossible to get it under control. I was hoping that this year we might just be able to win all the BRC events, but we'll just have to make it all but one now!"

Mitsubishi team boss Paul Brigden meanwhile was extremely disappointed with the weekend, especially as Phillip Morrow also had problems in the sister car, rolling on the very first stage and eventually finishing way down the order under the SupeRally [see separate story].

"It has been a very unfortunate weekend for the team, but I am pleased to report that all four crew members were unharmed in their respective incidents," he added.

"The fact that Phillip and Daniel [Barritt] could continue - and even set a fastest time - is testimony to the strength of the cars.

"We now need strong finishes from both crews for the remainder of the season to ensure we get back on track for the teams title and I look forward to resuming our British Championship campaign on the Isle of Man in a few weeks time."