Loeb wins rally of Great Britain and secures sixth world title

AFP - Sebastien Loeb of France in a Citroen C4 won the Rally of Great Britain here on Sunday to clinch the World Rally championship for the sixth straight year.

In the 12th and last leg of the season, Loeb's sole remaining rival for the title, Mikko Hirvonen of Finland, driving a Ford Focus clawed his way back to within 18 seconds of the overnight leader by winning the first two special stages on Sunday.

But his chances soon vanished as the hood of his car burst open on the next special forcing him to stop in order to close it.

That allowed Loeb to stretch his lead to 1 minute 25 seconds after the 15th special stage at Port Talbot with just 22 kilometres to cover in the final special to retain his world title.

It was Loeb's seventh win of the season and the 54th of his career.