Loebs take victory on star-studded Rallye du Var

Six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb won this weekend's French Championship Rallye du Var in a Citroen C4 WRC, co-driven by his wife Severine.

Loeb's usual co-driver, Daniel Elena, also starred on the event, completing it at the wheel of a Citroen C2-R2 MAX navigated by his friend Olivier Campana.

With France not hosting a round of this year's World Championship, Loeb and Elena decided that the Rallye du Var, the last round of the French national championship, would be an ideal opportunity to take a bow in front of their fans.

Just as he did on this event in 2008, Sebastien had wife Severine sitting alongside to call out the notes: "We enjoy doing the odd rally together," he explained. "Last year, we finished on the podium on the Rallye du Var in a C2 S1600. When [Citroen Racing boss] Olivier Quesnel suggested we repeat the operation this time round with a C4 WRC, we didn't hesitate a second. We were under absolutely no pressure and our only aim was to entertain the spectators. This event holds a special place in my career, since it was here that I was given my first works drive with the Citroën Xsara Kit-Car in 2000."

The Loeb partnership took a comfortable victory, finishing two minutes ahead of former WRC and Formula 1 driver Stephane Sarrazin, who took second place in an S2000 Peugeot: "It's always nice when you win, and I also prefer giving a celebratory kiss on the podium to Severine rather than Daniel," said Sebastien. "This wasn't an easy rally. The weather was very unsettled, which made tyre choice quite complex, but I am pleased to dedicate this win to Citroen."

The Monegasque pairing of Elena and Campana reached the finish in 54th position: "We covered the entire rally without ever knowing what our position was," said Daniel. "The main thing for us was to enjoy this rally's fabulous stages and thank our supporters. The C2-R2 MAX may be a pucker rally car, but it is so easy to drive. It's ideal for an amateur like me. That said, I'm looking forward to getting back in the C4 WRC... if Severine lets me!"

Recently signed Renault Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica also contested the rally. The Pole finished 29th in a Renault Clio R3.