Burns’ last race was in 2003 while leading the championship.

He was forced to stop racing after passing out at the wheel of his car while travelling to the Wales Rally GB.

Burns won the championship in 2001 and enjoyed numerous battles with his rival Colin McCrae, the only other Briton to win the world rally championship.

An official statement released today said: “From the outset Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour. Having undergone both chemotherapy and radiotherapy he was able to leave hospital in summer 2004.

“For a while his health showed signs of improvement but then after six months it once again began to decline. Determined not to give up, he opted for surgery earlier this year. This alleviated some of the symptoms of his illness and enabled him to remain active.

“At Castle Combe in August he attended a parade of the rally cars that he drove throughout his career and was touched by the warmth of the reception he received. However there was to be no miracle and in recent days he lapsed into a coma.

“The date of a memorial service will be announced shortly.”