Sebastien Loeb continues to re-write the record books in the World Rally Championship, winning Rally Finland for the third time and 73rd time in his career.
The Citroen superstar held-off team-mate and local hero Mikko Hirvonen to win by 6.1-seconds and extended hi championship lead to 43 points.
“For sure it’s very satisfying to win in Finland,” said Loeb.
“I didn’t come here especially to win; I came for points because it’s very difficult to beat the Finnish drivers. It was a great fight with Mikko, a one-two for Citroen and great for the championship.”
Still to taste success for Citroen, Hirvonen praised the Frenchman.
“Sebastien was just faster and congratulations to him,” said Hirvonen.
“Second position in Finland makes it even worse but if you do a perfect rally it is not enough against Sebastien. You have to do more because he is incredible.”
Jari-Matti Latvala was the leading Ford finisher in third with Petter Solberg fourth in an identical Fiesta RS WRC. It was a frustrating event for the Blue Oval pair, who had been tipped to challenge for victory but ultimately conceded that they didn’t have the speed to beat their Citroen rivals on this occasion.
Australia’s Brendan Reeves finished third in the WRC Academy section for identical 2WD Ford Fiesta R2s and is now second in the points standings.
“We are very happy to be on the podium at the finish,” said Reeves.
“Our outright time was really good. We have consistently improved over the course of the event and have gained some great experience.
“We will go away very happy and confident ahead of the change to Tarmac in Germany.”
Molly Taylor was enjoying the run of her life, fighting for the lead in her category before engine issues with her Citroen DS3T halted her midway through the final leg.
“Gutted to say we’re out,” said Taylor via Twitter.
“Had inherited the lead but limped through stage 15 with engine on 3 cylinders, sadly it’s terminal.
“Has been a great event for us though, learning lots and really enjoying stages. Huge thanks to United Business and BP Racing for the opportunity.”
Rally Finland final results
| Pos | Driver | Team/Car | Time |
| 1 | Sebastien Loeb | Citroen WRT | 2:28:11.4 |
| 2 | Mikko Hirvonen | Citroen WRT | +0:06.1 |
| 3 | Jari-Matti Latvala | Ford WRT | +0:35.5 |
| 4 | Petter Solberg | Ford WRT | +0:56.1 |
| 5 | Mads Ostberg | Adapta Ford | +2:32.1 |
| 6 | Ott Tanak | M-Sport Ford | +2:47.6 |
| 7 | Matti Rantanen | M-Sport Ford | +4:51.7 |
| 8 | Jari Ketomaa | Autotek Ford | +6:01.9 |
| 9 | Martin Prokop | Czech Ford | +6:04.3 |
| 10 | Sebastien Ogier | VW Skoda | +8:46.0 |
WRC STANDINGS : Drivers
| Pos | Driver | Team/Car | Points |
| 1 | Sebastien Loeb | Citroen WRT | 171 |
| 2 | Mikko Hirvonen | Citroen WRT | 128 |
| 3 | Petter Solberg | Ford WRT | 104 |
| 4 | Mads Ostberg | Adapta Ford | 90 |
| 5 | Jari-Matti Latvala | Ford WRT | 69 |
WRC STANDINGS : Manufacturers
| Pos | Team/Car | Points |
| 1 | Citroen WRT | 280 |
| 2 | Ford WRT | 171 |
| 3 | M-Sport Ford WRT | 115 |
| 4 | Qatar WRT | 49 |
| 5 | Citroen Junior | 48 |
