Richard Burns was forced to retire from the San Remo Rally today after sliding off the road on the opening stage of the 11th race.
The Subaru driver, who won in New Zealand last month, left the road on the 'Coldirodi 1' run just four kilometres in, and could not restart his car.
Burns started the event nine points behind joint world championship leaders Tommi Makinen of Finland and Briton Colin McRae. There are nine stages remaining in the 368 kilometers event.
-AFP-