Loeb secures record fifth title

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Mikko Hirvonen won the race in Sapporo by 31.1 seconds but that was not enough to deny Loeb the 2008 WRC title.

"It's incredible," said Loeb on the WRC's official website. "But that was a terrible rally - it couldn't have been trickier. It's a great moment. It's perfect."

He added: "I'm so relieved this weekend is over now. Last year Daniel (Elena) and I equalled the record with four wins, so being the only ones to do five we are very happy."

Hirvonen secured his third win of the year in three hours 25 minutes and three seconds after the 29 stages but the Finn conceded that Citroen driver Loeb was a worthy winner of the Championship.

"That's it, it's over," he said. "He won 10 events before coming here so he deserves it. I did all I could. Now we need to try again next year."

Loeb, who suffered a nerve-wracking spin on the penultimate stage before recovering, completed the rally in an overall time of 3hrs 27mins 33.6secs.

Hirvonen's fellow Ford Focus driver Jari-Matti Latvala finished second in 3hrs 25mins 34.1secs, a result that means that the battle for the manufacturers' championship will go to the final round in Wales.

Ford took a maximum 18-point haul and have closed the gap on Citroen to 11 points.

"It's very good for the team and very good for me," said Latvala. "After such a bad time in August I can be happy. There was a time when our good result in Turkey seemed a long way away, but now I can be happy again."