Panizzi extends lead in Catalunya
Saturday, 23 March 2002 20:44World champion Richard Burns has set his sights on a 'fantastic' second position after Peugeot again dominated on the Rally of Catalunya. Gilles Panizzi was the big winner again today in Spain, the Frenchman strengthening his claim for a fourth career victory in his Peugeot racing almost a minute clear of team-mate Burns.
Both drivers backed event organisers after they were forced to call off the opening two stages of the second day because of excessive spectator numbers, Panizzi claiming he had not witnessed such 'crazy scenes' in his entire career. Philippe Bugalski is further back in third in his Citroen, over a minute behind Panizzi. Scotland's Colin McRae lies just outside the points in seventh - over two and a half minutes behind Panizzi - after battling against the pain of an injured finger.
Carlos Sainz's home event has been marred by the spectator problems - and the Ford driver later questioned if the event may possibly lose its place on the championship calendar.
Filed by Shane Murray
