Citroen explains Loeb decision

The team has issued a brief statement confirming the decision to withdraw its appeal. It reads: "As agreed with Sebastien Loeb and [co-driver] Daniel Elena, and in order to maintain a good relationship with the FIA and other competitors, Citroen does not wish to pursue this appeal."

The penalty which was later suspended, was given at the end of leg two when the tyres on the Xsara were illegally changed at the final service. Team Manager Guy Frequelin launched an appeal saying that it was a "minor mistake" and the team gained no advantage over its rivals. That allowed Loeb to complete the rally with the suspended penalty hanging over his head, and hold off Subaru's Tommi Makinen to taste the victor's champagne on the podium.

However Citroen's decision to withdraw the appeal pushes Loeb down to second, with Tommi Makinen taking the win and 10 championship points. In doing so, the Finn becomes the most successful driver in world rally history with 24 career wins and celebrates four back-to-back victories at the glamorous season opener.

Commenting on Citroen's decision, FIA President Max Mosley said: "At its meeting on March 20, the World Motor Sport Council will consider whether the rules can be improved, so as to avoid in future a situation which brought satisfaction to no one and diminished the sporting contest."

Loeb however feels content that he displayed all of the attributes of a future world rally champion and told AUTOSPORT magazine: "As far as most people are concerned - the spectators on the stages and the journalists who are writing about it - we won the rally. Compared to that what do points matter? I'm not fighting for the championship and 10 points mean more to Tommi Makinen than they do to me. Good luck to him."