Rallying: Ninth consecutive title for outstanding Sebastien Loeb

SEBASTIEN Loeb wrapped up his ninth consecutive World Rally Championship title in style with a victory on home soil in France.

Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena finished 15.5 seconds ahead of Ford’s Jari-Matti Latvala in the overall standings after completing the 22nd and final stage of the Rallye de France yesterday.

Loeb’s 75th WRC win is his eighth in 11 races so far this season, and saw him wrap up yet another title with two rounds to spare.

His triumph also secured Citroen their eighth manufacturers’ crown, but also heralded the end of an era with the Frenchman previously announcing he would not defend his title in 2013, electing instead for a part-time WRC programme.

With 244 points, Loeb is 71 ahead of team-mate Mikko Hirvonen with two races to go while Latvala’s strong run to second place denied Citroen the further satisfaction of a one-two finish. Hirvonen finished in third place, 44 seconds adrift of his team-mate.