Leaders since Friday morning, Sbastien Loeb and Daniel Elena claimed their eighth win of the season in Strasbourg and the 75th victory of their remarkable career. The result means that they become World Rally Champions for the ninth year running. Also on the podium, MikkoHirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen collected the points required to wrap up the Manufacturers championship. The Citron Total World Rally Teamhas therefore won its eighth world title at this years Rallye de France.
Although it was much shorter than the previous two days, the final leg of the Rallye de France didnt look like it wouldbe easy going. Rain had fallen throughout the night and continued into the early morning, which eliminated anylingering doubts about tyre choice: both of the Citron Total World Rally Teams DS3 WRCs set off from the servicepark fitted with soft Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.
Sbastien Loeb had barely covered a few metres on Vignoble de Cleebourg before he saw just how little grip there was.Following the action intently on the screens showing live onboard and overhead camera footage, Citron Racingsengineers broke out into a collective cold sweat as they watched the no.1 DS3 WRC flirt with the verge. We wereaquaplaning a lot and, as there was more and more water on the road, I really took it easy on the last few kilometres.At a push, I dont have to win the rally to secure the championship, admitted the leader.
This mornings conditions were very similar to those we had at the Rallye Vosgien, which I competed in as preparationfor this rally, added Mikko Hirvonen. I have been really cautious so as not to jeopardise the teams overall result. Innormal racing conditions, I think it will be difficult to close the gap to Latvala.
After a regroup held in Haguenau, Sbastien Loebs home town, the first ten in the overall standings were sent off inreverse order for the last three stages. In sunny but muddy conditions, the second run on Vignoble de Cleebourgcounted as the rallys Power Stage with bonus points on offer. Once again, Sbastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen didntlook to set the stage alight, as these points werent necessary to win the Drivers title.
Managing their lead until the final stop control on Haguenau 2, Sbastien Loeb and Daniel Elena could finally relaxand let go of the tension that had built up during the week: This is what we came to do, experience the feelings weenjoyed in 2010 again by winning the world title at home. This year the feeling is even more special, because it isundoubtedly the last one. I drove carefully this morning, but it wasnt very easy due to the weather conditions. Evenwhen it stopped raining, the roads were still extremely muddy. There were two rallies left where I could have won thetitle, but Im really very happy to do it here for the fans in Alsace.
Mikko Hirvonen was all smiles after he racked up his eighth podium finish of the season: I had already felt the joy ofwinning the Manufacturers title in 2007 and Im excited to experience it again with Citron. Thats the most importantthing this weekend, but for me personally, Im also pleased with the progress I have made on tarmac. I have finishedhere in the same place as in Germany, but I feel like I have taken several steps forward on this rally. Im looking forwardto checking this in Catalonia, but before that, we are going to celebrate this great achievement!
Frdric Banzet, Citron General Manager, was on hand to share the joy of the team: Citron competes in motorsportevents in to win, and once again Citron Racing has shown that it is the best team in the world. The engineers,technicians and crews have all done a fantastic job this season. These successes support the Brands determined andenergetic commercial strategy.
* Subject to publication of the official results by the FIA.
OVERALL STANDINGS1 Loeb / Elena Citron DS3 WRC 3:32:53.02 Latvala / Anttila Ford Fiesta RS WRC +15.53 Hirvonen / Lehtinen Citron DS3 WRC +44.14 Neuville / Gilsoul Citron DS3 WRC +1:07.35 stberg / Andersson Ford Fiesta RS WRC +1:16.46 Tnak / Sikk Ford Fiesta RS WRC +2:27.97 Novikov / Minor Ford Fiesta RS WRC +5:51.68 Atkinson / Prvot Mini JCW WRC +6:42.49 Prokop / Hrza Ford Fiesta RS WRC +8:46.810 Chardonnet / de la Haye Citron DS3 WRC +8:59.7
