Loeb wins in Ireland to close in on fourth title

Citroen's Sebastien Loeb moved closer to a fourth consecutive world rally championship title yesterday when he triumphed in the Rally Ireland, the penultimate race of the series.

Loeb finished 53.4 secs ahead of Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo and goes into Rally GB in two weeks on 110 points, six ahead of Marcus Gronholm, who crashed out of the race on Friday after starting with a four-point lead.

Citroen's 1-2 could not prevent Ford from clinching a second consecutive manufacturers' title, secured by Finn Mikko Hirvonen's fourth place.

Loeb, hit with a 10-second penalty for a late start yesterday, kept his composure on the treacherous course described by many of the drivers as the toughest of the year.

"The rally was really, really difficult, but we managed to finish it," Loeb said.

"Ten more points for the championship is really important. That could change a lot of things for the championship.

"It was really great to win here, especially with Marcus scoring no points. I knew after the crash of Marcus, it all depended on me.

"This rally was one of the most difficult we've ever done, because it was very muddy but the car was really good. I had a really good feeling and I was not pushing so hard, just driving through with no risks."

Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala, in a Stobart Ford, finished third for his first WRC podium appearance.