Mills' success fails to disguise lack of British driving talent

Phil Mills' contribution to Petter Solberg's World Rally Championship success has been properly recognised, but his sudden elevation to the status of British sporting hero highlights a growing concern.

Important as the role of navigator is in rallying, the real stars are the men who hold the wheel, rather than case-notes, and the production line of British title contenders is in danger of grinding to a halt.

Just as in tennis, Britain has had two outstanding rally drivers in recent years. Colin McRae, the world champion in 1995, was the fastest and most watchable exponent of the art and Richard Burns won the championship two years ago.

However, as in tennis, where there are no clear successors to Tim and Greg, British rallying waits for evidence that Colin and Richard can be replaced.

McRae is taking a year out to consider his future and pursue other motor sport goals. Burns is due to return to Subaru after two years at Peugeot, but doubts have been cast by the black-out which forced him out of last weekend's Rally GB.

The situation has not been clarified by the lack of information from his camp. Subaru say they are optimistic Burns will return next season. McRae could step in, but he would have to convince them, as well as himself, that he can regain his motivation.

Whoever partners Solberg at Subaru is likely to find a new generation has taken over. The Norwegian's main opponent this time, the Frenchman, Sébastien Loeb, of Citroën, will return. So will Estonia's Markko Martin, who is Ford's No 1.

The implications for British rallying are not lost on Burns, who said: "I'm only 32, so I'm not past it yet. But Petter, Sébastien and Markko are the next generation.

"In terms of young British drivers coming through, there's no question we're struggling. I hope we don't skip a generation but the way things are going, that is a possibility. If the motivation is there, then people will get in, but it's no good having the motivation if you don't have the opportunity."

Burns added: "We have two very capable young drivers in Guy Wilks and Kris Meeke. We are struggling in that area but there's no reason why the motor sport authority in this country can't support young drivers as the French and Finnish authorities do. Loeb has been groomed in France, so it isn't a surprise to see him come through so well.''

Meeke, ironically, has the support of McRae, but Burns is reluctant to make such a commitment. He said: "I wouldn't like to get involved unless I could devote the time and resources you would want to support somebody to the hilt.''

Next season Rally GB moves to September, when the stages will be drier and quicker.

After Citroën restrained Loeb to take the manufacturers' title, and threw a wet blanket over last weekend's Cardiff event, the prospect of an uncontrolled early autumn rally is infinitely more appealing.

* McRae and Burns were among those fined in a Welsh court after being caught speeding during last year's Rally GB. Freddy Loix and Armin Schwarz were banned after they were caught by a speed camera on a two-mile stretch of public road between the rally's service area and the "shakedown" stage. Loix was fined £1,750 and given a six-month ban after being caught seven times at speeds of up to 54mph in the 30mph zone. McRae was caught at 51mph, and fined £150 plus three penalty points. Burns was recorded at 83mph on a dual carriageway and was fined £150 plus three points. The banned drivers will be able to drive in rallies in Britain but will not allowed to drive on public roads between the stages.