Citroen's Sebastien Loeb clinched a record fifth world title in a row after surviving a late spin to finish third in the Japan Rally yesterday.

Rival Mikko Hirvonen led Jari-Matti Latvala in a Ford one-two but it was not enough to keep the title race alive.

"It's incredible," Loeb told reporters as co-driver Daniel Elena clambered onto the roof of their car to wave a French flag in celebration.

"But that was a terrible rally - it couldn't have been more tricky. There was a lot of pressure but now it's a great moment. It's perfect.

"I'm so relieved this weekend is over now. Last year Daniel and I equalled the record with four wins, so being the only ones with five is nice."

A potentially nasty slide on the penultimate stage almost cost the Frenchman third place and his hopes of glory in Sapporo as torrential rain made conditions treacherous.

"I spun a few hundred metres before the finish," said Loeb. "I was doing about 50kph in a straight line and then 'Bang!' - it just went. We had to reverse and get going again."

However, Loeb recovered to finish more than a minute clear of Subaru's Chris Atkinson in fourth.

Hirvonen won by 31.1 seconds from fellow Finn Latvala but paid tribute to the 34-year-old Loeb for another dominant season.

"He definitely deserved it," said Hirvonen. "Everybody can see he won 10 rallies this year. I did all I could. I will just have to try again next year."

Loeb had wanted to secure the title in Japan in order to drive flat-out in the last race in Britain later this month in a bid to break his own record of 10 wins in a season.

Friday's first leg began frustratingly for Loeb until a high-speed crash involving Ford driver François Duval gave the Frenchman third spot and he never looked like losing it.

Duval's accident left his co-driver Patrick Pivato badly injured and needing surgery for a fractured pelvis and tibia, and caused the afternoon's stages to be cancelled.

Loeb, dubbed the "Michael Schumacher of rallying" for his stranglehold over the sport, has won a record 46 races during a career that began in 1999.

"We have achieved half the target we set ourselves this season," said Citroen team boss Olivier Quesnel. "Now we must refocus with a view to wrapping up the manufacturers' title."

Drivers' Standings

1. Loeb 112 points; 2. Hirvonen 102; 3. Sordo 59; 4. Latvala, Atkinson 50; 5. P. Solberg 41; 6. Duval, H. Solberg 22; 7. Galli 17; 8. Wilson 15.

Manufacturers

1. Citroen 175; 2. BP-Ford 164; 3. Subaru 93; 4. Stobart VK 64; 5. Suzuki 28; 6. Munchy's Ford 22.