Loeb savours 'perfect weekend'

The Frenchman triumphed for the 10th time in the Rally Catalunya, and although he now heads to the Australian event as favourite for another record-breaking win, Loeb preferred to focus on his and Citroen's achievements in Spain.

When asked if he could make it a record 11 wins in Perth, the World Champion said: "It's too early to speak about that. For the moment I'm really happy to have 10.

"But the most important thing here is that we won the manufacturers' title for the third time for Citroen. That's really nice. I think it was a perfect weekend for Citroen - two cars in top two places and the Junior Championship for Dani [Sordo]. That's a perfect weekend."

"This season has been so amazing," Loeb added. "This weekend with two Citroens on the podium, and the title, is the climax to an unforgettable year.

"It's been the result of many circumstances: luck, a good car and good tyres."

Loeb and teammate Francois Duval's 1-2 finish in Catalunya helped Citroen take their third consecutive manufacturers' title - a feat that boss Guy Frequelin believed was out of their reach earlier this year when the team had a difficult start to the campaign.

"I'm very satisfied with this result," admitted Frequelin. "It's the result of some very hard work from everyone in the team, all the team members.

"It's hugely difficult to win any Championship, let alone a third one, so I'd like to thank the team. It's far from easy - it might seem simple on the outside - but after Mexico there were doubts, so we had to fight hard."