Loeb wins 'hardest battle' - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Loeb wins 'hardest battle'

Sebastien Loeb has described his fourth consecutive World Rally Championship drivers' title as his "hardest battle".

Third place in the final race of the season, the Wales Rally GB, was enough to ensure the French Citroen C4 driver finished just four points above Finland's Marcus Gronholm, who took second place in Wales behind compatriot Mikko Hirvonen.

"This was definitely my hardest battle for a world title," admitted Loeb. "To win by four points is a really good moment for me."

Gronholm had led the WRC since May but crashed out of the previous two events in Japan and Ireland - where Loeb was able to snatch the series lead with victory two weeks ago.

"I am disappointed, of course," said Gronholm.

"I lost the title in Ireland. Will I come back? No, I've had enough."

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