Loeb caps perfect season for Citroen

SEBASTIEN LOEB celebrated a “dream weekend” for Citroen on Rally Catalunya after clinching his 10th win this season in typically dominant fashion.

The world champion secured the manufacturers' title for Citroen with an easy win from team-mate Francois Duval, who gave the French team a one-two for just the second time this campaign.

Behind the battle at the front, Daniel Sordo ensured a clean sweep for Citroen, taking the junior championship in style with a victory.

Loeb savoured the moment after confirming Citroen's stranglehold on the world championship, saying: "I always wanted to win here one day. It's great to have succeeded.

"At the same time, in addition to wrapping up the manufacturers' title, Citroen has also sewn up the junior championship thanks to Dani Sordo.

"It's been a dream weekend, the end result of the passion and the work put in by everyone in the team. This 10th win is a symbol of our perfect season and I would like to dedicate it to them."

Despite their whitewash this season, Citroen are set for a one-year sabbatical from the sport.

Citroen and stable-mates Peugeot are withdrawing from world rallying after next month's Rally Australia, although the world champions have confirmed a 2007 return.

Team boss Guy Frequelin is already looking ahead. He said: "This is all so motivating as we prepare to wrap up the season in Australia and prepare our comeback."

Behind the dominant Citroens, ex-works Subaru driver Mikko Hirvonen, now driving a two-year-old Ford, claimed a superb third place.

The young Finn, who was ditched after just a year with Subaru, hopes that result the best of his career so far proves he can cut it at the top.

He said: "It was my first asphalt rally for a year and it proved I can be quick on both surfaces.

"When I saw Xavier Pons mess up his start on the final stage I decided to really attack and try to make my dreams come true. It was a great battle and I can't believe I had such a good weekend considering how long it is since I drove on this surface."

Independent Citroen driver Pons earned a surprise fourth, Ford's Roman Kresta recovered from problems to claim fifth place while

Peugeot rookie Nicolas Bernardi moved up to sixth.

Anthony Warmbold, in another Ford, was seventh, with Jan Kopecky eighth for Skoda.