Loeb happy to win 'with panache'
Sebastien Loeb's first win on home soil also marked a historic achievement in the World Rally Championship, as the Frenchman became the first driver to complete a clean sweep of stages
The World Champion, who secured his second consecutive title in Japan earlier this month, won every single stage of the Rally de France, taking him to his 19th WRC win and a record ninth of the 2005 season.
Loeb is now the sixth most successful driver in WRC history and just seven victories short of Carlos Sainz's record of most wins.
And the Frenchman, who took his first home win after six attempts, admitted today's win was particularly pleasing.
"Everyone was expecting me to win in Corsica, so I had to do something a little different," Loeb quipped.
"I really wanted to win here, not only because this is my home rally but also because I love the Corsican stages.
"I admit that at the beginning of the season the two objectives I set myself were to win in Finland and Corsica. Marcus [Gronholm] proved the man to beat in Finland, but like him I am very pleased to have won my home round, with a little touch of panache."
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