Zoom Far from an easy win for Sebastien Loeb

The fight for the drivers' championship will be decided on the final round of the series after Sebastien Loeb claimed maximum points in Rally Ireland and Marcus Gronholm crashed out of the event.

The Citroën Total World Rally Team dominated, with Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena claiming victory. Loeb is naturally feeling pretty confident heading to Rally Wales GB.

"I feel I am in a good position that's sure, but for that we will have to finish Wales Rally GB and that is never easy," Loeb said. "For sure this victory today will change a lot for my Championship and I know we will not have to fight for the victory; we will have to fight to stay on the road and win the Championship. "

Loeb admits that he did feel under pressure heading into Rally Ireland, but once rivals Marcus Gronholm had crashed out of the event, the pressure switched from having to win, to ensuring an error free run to victory.

"When Marcus retired I understood it was in my hands: if I make a mistake, I lose," Loeb explained. "If I win I will do a lot for the Championship. It wasn't really easy to do that well but I had a really good feeling with the car. I saw that I had very good speed, didn't have to take a lot of risk and when it was too tricky I lifted off a bit. No it was very good."

E.A.
Source FIA