Sebastien Loeb eased to victory in Rally Ireland on Sunday to make a perfect start to his defence of the World Rally Championship.
The Frenchman came in one minute 27.9 seconds ahead of his Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo, with Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen back in third.
“It’s been really tough but I’m happy to take the 10 points,” said Loeb.
Henning Solberg was fourth, followed by Chris Atkinson, Sebastian Ogier, Matthew Wilson and Khalid Al Qassimi.
The Loeb-Sordo one-two means the Citroen team have started this season as strongly as they finished the last and Loeb was delighted to have laid down an early marker.
“It feels good to have started the championship with a victory, particularly this year when there will only be 12 rallies and only two on asphalt,” the five-time champion and asphalt-specialist said before mounting the podium.
“It wasn’t the most difficult victory I’ve achieved but I’m very happy because it was a very tricky rally.”
“Tarmac rallies are especially important to me. This one has been tricky for everyone, but now we’re here at the finish with maximum points. It’s a good start to the season!” Loeb said.
Hirvonen, Loeb’s principal title rival in 2008, was also happy to get his challenge off to a solid start.
“It’s a good start to the season,” said the Finn. “We had some problems this weekend, I was hoping I could fight with Sordo but maybe that will come another time.
“It’s still a good start to my season. Now I’m looking forward to the next round in Norway.”
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