STRASBOURG — Frenchman Sebastien Loeb secured a record ninth consecutive world title Sunday when he won the Rally of France, his eighth race victory of the season. The 38-year-old Loeb, who will not defend the crown next year, claimed his record 75th victory for Citroen in his birthplace of Haguenau, in eastern France. His victory in France also gave Citroen an eighth manufacturers' title, with his teammate Mikko Hirvonen of Finland second in the standings. Loeb is now on 244 points in the championship table, 71 ahead of Hirvonen who finished third in France, and, with two races to go, is certain to top the standings at the end of the season. “It has been a great moment,” Loeb told reporters. “We had been dreaming of it since the weekend began, it is pure happiness. “The season has been perfect but I want to enjoy this rather than think about this title being our last together,” he added, referring to his co-driver Daniel Elena, who has been with him for the nine titles. Loeb was in full control on the wet roads of eastern France on Sunday as he entered the race's final day with a 54-second lead over Hirvonen, his only rival for the title. Though he finished no better than fourth in any of the six stages raced Sunday, he managed to maintain his lead over second-placed Finn Jari-Matti Latvala and third-placed Hirvonen. The Frenchman, who took a commanding advantage Friday and never loosened his grip, finished the weekend 15.5 seconds ahead of Latvala in a Ford and 44.1 ahead of Finland's Hirvonen. Belgian Thierry Neuville, who won five of the six stages raced Sunday, was fourth. Loeb's team said last week that the Frenchman would not take part in all of the world championship races next season. — Reuters
