Rallying: Tuthill's victorious marathon

FRANCIS TUTHILL was declared the winner of the London to Sydney rally yesterday when he rolled up to the Sydney Opera House after a drive of 9,700 miles over some of the world's toughest roads. He took the lead in Turkey and lost it only for a brief period in Australia.

Tuthill and his co-driver Anthony Showell, in a Porsche 911, came in fourth in the 43rd and final stage to take the title 14 minutes ahead of the Australians Ian Vaughan and Barry Lake in a Ford Falcon. Another Englishman, Roger Clark, won the final stage to finish fourth.

'We were very strong about the condition and preparation of the car,' Tuthill said. 'We tended to make the right decisions under pressure and controlled ourselves very well. He said the toughest part of the race had been the heat of India.

Eighty-six of the 106 crews finished the race, which started in London on 17 April and traversed 12 countries. Twenty-two countries were represented, marking the 25th anniversary of the original London to Sydney marathon. The cars were airlifted to Australia for the final leg.