World champion Sebastien Loeb resumed where he left off this morning by taking victory on the first stage of the day in the Monte Carlo Rally.

Peugeot’s Marcus Gronholm rounded off Rally Australia with a flourish, setting the fastest time on the final stage in Perth to confirm his fifth win of the year.

Englishman Richard Burns set himself up for a world championship showdown with former champions Colin McRae of Scotland and Finland’s Tommi Makinen by finishing runner-up to current title holder Marcus Gronholm in the Telstra Rally of Australia in Perth today.