Loeb wins Wales Rally GB!

After a thrilling last day battle Sebastien Loeb managed to overtake Jari-Matti Latvala on the final stage to take victory on Wales Rally GB.

Loeb, who secured the WRC drivers’ championship in Japan, brought his Citroen C4 WRC to the finish of the final Port Talbot stage 4.9sec quicker than Latvala, and took the event win by 2.7sec.

Loeb’s first Rally GB victory was his eleventh of the 2008 season and the 47th of his career. It also secured his Citroen Total team the 2008 WRC manufacturers’ title.

“This one was incredible!” said Loeb at the finish control. “The ice made conditions really tricky. With no gravel crews I didn’t like it and I’ve not been happy all weekend. But today we had a good, good fight and it was exciting to fight with Jari-Matti. After the jump start in the stage before we had to try everything here because for me I was two seconds behind. Finally we won and it’s a very good feeling! Also the championship for Citroen it’s really good news. With Dani third it’s the perfect result for the team!”

Jari-Matti Latvala was one of the first to offer his congratulations to Loeb at the finish. “The better man won today,” said the BP Ford team driver. “I tried to go as fast as I could. I couldn’t do any better.”

Loeb’s Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo finished third, 1min 07.9sec behind Latvala. “It’s a great result for the team,” said the Spaniard.

Subaru World Rally Team driver Petter Solberg was fourth in his Impreza. “It was tough,” said the Norwegian. “When the surface was gravel we were faster than anybody but on the slippery stuff we have no chance. That’s the reality, now we have to work to get the best out of this car.”

Suzuki World Rally Team driver P-G Andersson sounded off the top five places and matched his team’s best ever WRC result. “Day one was really, really good, said the Swede. “After that it hasn’t been the most enjoyable race but fifth position is really good!”