Loeb had things his own way in Ireland after Gronholm's crash

The Citroen driver capitalised on rival Marcus Gronholm's crash to win the event and open up a six-point lead in the title race with one rally left.

Loeb's time was three hours one minute 39.2 seconds, 53.4 secs ahead of Dani Sordo, with Jari-Matti Latvala third.

Mikko Hirvonen of Finland, who is third in the title race, came home fourth.

Gronholm came into the penultimate rally of the championship ahead of Loeb in the standings, but crashed out on Friday.

Loeb now has 110 points, compared to Gronholm's 104, with only the Rally GB, from 30 November-2 December, left to come.

"Ten points more for the championship is really important. That could change a lot of things for the championship.

"It was really great to win here, especially with Marcus scoring no points. I knew after the crash of Marcus, it all depended on me," said Loeb.

"This rally was one of the most difficult we've ever done, because it was very muddy but the car was really good. I had a really good feeling and I was not pushing so hard, just driving through with no risks."

Rally Ireland result:
1 S Loeb (Fr) Citroen 3 hrs 01 min 39.200 secs
2 D Sordo (Spn) Citroen @ 00:53.400
3 J-M Latvala (Fin) Ford @ 01:48.200
4 M Hirvonen (Fin) Ford @ 02:17.700
5 P Solberg (Nor) Subaru @ 02:55.800
6 G Wilks (GB) Subaru @ 05:57.900
7 M Wilson (GB) Ford @ 10:04.900
8 G Mac Hale (NI) Ford @ 11:08.300
9 A Mikkelsen (Nor) Ford @ 13:08.200
10 N McShea (GB) Subaru @ 16:32.100