Sebastien Ogier has taken his first tarmac win in the World Rally Championship, beating team-mate Sebastien Loeb in Germany.
The two Citroen drivers were instructed to hold their positions on the final day, with Loeb in excess of one minute adrift having suffered a puncture during Saturday’s final stage.
The result marks the first time that Sebastien Loeb has been defeated on Rally Germany since the event joined the WRC in 2002.
Ogier now moves to second in the points standings, just 25 points behind Loeb with four races remaining.
“My team-mate is so strong on this rally so to get the victory and the extra points in the Power Stage is a very good result,” said Ogier.
“Mathematically the championship is still possible and I have to believe I have a chance. As long as there is a chance then I am going to try.”
Prodrive’s Mini team found itself on the WRC podium for the first time thanks to Dani Sordo, with the Spaniard completing the rally less than two minutes down on Ogier.
Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen held on for fourth ahead of Petter Solberg and Kimi Raikkonen, with sixth place marking the former Formula One World Champion’s best result of the season to date.
