Marko Martin retirement?

Very sad, but understandable.

http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view.asp?cid=4&nid=123753

I think after such a bad experience, the guilt associated with Michael Park's death, may have resulted in that competitive spark just not being there, or alternative tinged with guilt. Perfectly understandable.

I like Markko, from what I've seen of rallying - he impressed me with his personality, and his driving - but, after such a tragic event - he'd have a job putting 'Beefs' untimely death at the back of his mind.

I wouldn't blame him if he retired, I think he's a lovely bloke - and he should consider his options. All I can say is good luck Markko, and I read on WRC.com today that he'll be running Subaru Imprezza's in the Estonian Championship as team boss. So, best of luck Markko.

PAUL

He also stated that after 2006 he would have retired from big rallying anyway. He said that at the age of 30, a man should be grown up and not do stupid things like rallying..

Wasn't it also Marko who was in the car with Richard Burns when Richard first passed out? Which was the first indication of the disease that led to his, also, untimely death. Also this year.

I think so, yes - he ended up driving the car after Richard Burns passed out IIRC.

Thats true, i think they were on the M4 in Richards Porsche at the time!
Sad for Markko and I wonder what he would have done if Beef had still been with us.
But I think he is very brave actually to do this, he doesnt need the money and he must find it very difficult to get into a WRC car again knowing what happened. I think it is a very gracious thing to do.
Plus you never know the habit might not die yet and all that being around the scene might get him back into something a little less intense