Solberg's gift for Subaru team-mate Burns.

By the end of the Tour de Corse, the Subaru team felt plaesed with their efforts after securing seven championship points, thanks to the efforts - and teamwork - shown by saw the driving trio of Burns, Solberg and Martin.

Burns staged a spectacular comeback after nearly crashing out of the rally on the second stage. He was quickest through the final test today and finished fourth overall (after Solberg deliberately incurred a time penalty) to collect four manufacturers' points and three for the drivers' contest.

Burns added: "The result and these points are a lot better than I expected. I made a mistake on the first day and when I hit that bank I didn't think I'd be carrying on.

"Petter and Phil have been thoroughly professional and I really appreciate what they've done for Robert and myself - reducing my points deficit helps my title aspirations. The last two rallies of the year will be incredibly exciting and I'm glad that I can fight until the end."

Solberg and co-driver Phil Mills had indeed put in one of the best drives of their career and also demonstrated an unselfish attitude to achieving a great team result.

Solberg couldn't hide his delight after his strong showing over the three days: "I have to say I'm very very happy, it's been an unbelievable rally and the result is fantastic - I really can't complain. It's my first time finishing this event, and I'm really looking forward to the future. It didn't matter about where I finished, it's not my time yet to prove anything, my time will come. I've learned a lot, and I'll go back to Norway with a big smile on my face!"

25-year old Estonian hero Markko Martin produced an astonishing debut drive on the Corsican asphalt. He finished seventh and in the points for Subaru.

Martin enthused: "I'm really pleased to get to the finish, that as what I was concentrating on. I brought the car back with no scratches on it, which was important after Sanremo and good for my confidence. Michael and I are obviously delighted to finish in the top six - it's been a excellent weekend."

Team boss David Lapworth evaluated Subaru's performance: "Our realistic objective before the event was for Richard to score three points more than Tommi or Colin - to achieve 4th, 5th and 6th place here is the best possible result. The team is delighted and we have exceeded our expectations. All the drivers have done a great job, they've performed perfectly and with a very professional attitude. There's a whole team of people behind the drivers and we've seen a fantastic team effort."

The next event - Rally Australia, the penultimate round of the 2001 World Rally Championship - gets underway from Perth on the 2nd of November. The gravel event is a favourite of Richard Burns who won the event in 1999, and was runner up last year.