Loeb made an excellent start to his campaign in Monte Carlo

The Frenchman was second-fastest behind Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo of Spain after the first section of the race.

But he took control in the second stage to finish well clear of Sordo, who is 12.7 seconds back in second.

Finn Mikko Hirvonen was third fastest in both stages in the Drome region in southeastern France 44 seconds back.

"I found quite a lot of ice on the first stage, so I took it a little easier," said Loeb.