Share

Loeb clinches ninth World title

HAGUENAU, France - Frenchman Sebastien Loeb secured a record ninth consecutive World Rally title on Sunday (Oct 7, 2012)when he won the Rally of France, his eighth race victory of the season.

Loeb, 38, will not defend the crown in 2013 but claimed his record 75th victory for Citroen in his birthplace of Haguenau, in eastern France.

His victory in France also gave Citroen an eighth Manufacturers' title, with his team mate Mikko Hirvonen of Finland second in the standings.

'GREAT MOMENT'

Loeb is now on 244 points in the championship table, 71 ahead of Hirvonen who finished third in France, and, with two races to go, is certain to top the standings at the end of the season.

"It has been a great moment," Loeb told reporters. "We had been dreaming of it since the weekend began, it is pure happiness.

"The season has been perfect but I want to enjoy this rather than think about this title being our last together," he added, referring to his co-driver Daniel Elena, who has been with him for the nine titles.

Loeb was in full control on the wet roads of eastern France on Sunday as he entered the race's final day with a 54sec lead over Hirvonen, his only rival for the title. He finished no better than fourth on any stage on Sunday but held his lead over second-placed Finn Jari-Matti Latvala and third-placed Hirvonen.

He took a commanding advantage on Friday, never eased up, and finished the weekend 15.5sec ahead of Ford’s Latvala and 44.1 ahead of Finland's Hirvonen.

Belgian Thierry Neuville, who won five of the six stages on Sunday, was fourth.

Loeb's team said a week earlier that their driver would not take part in all of the World championship races next season.

Result from the 2012 Rally of France on Sunday
1 Sebastien Loeb (France) Citroen 3hr32min53.0
2 Jari-Matti Latvala (Finland) Ford +0min5.5
3 Mikko Hirvonen (Finland) Citroen +0min44.1
4 Thierry Neuville (Belgium) Citroen +1min07.3
5 Mads Ostberg (Norway) Ford +1min16.4
6 Ott Taenak (Estonia) Ford +2min27.9
7 Evgeny Novikov (Russia) Ford +5min51.6
8 Chris Atkinson (Australia) Mini +6min42.4
9 Martin Prokop (Czech Republic) Ford +8min46.8
10 Sebastien Chardonnet (France) Citroen +8min59.7
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()