Loeb is targeting a seventh straight win in the Rally of Germany

Sebastien Loeb extended his lead in the Rally of Germany as arch rival and standings leader Mirkko Hirvonen lost ground on the world champion.

Loeb, who won seven of eight stages, was 40.3 seconds clear of his Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo of Spain.

"It was a perfect day," said Loeb, who is aiming for his seventh straight win in the 10th leg of the 15-race season.

Belgian Francois Duval was in third place with Finland's Hirvonen three seconds further adrift in fourth.

"I haven't managed to make the best time on every occasion, but the last couple of times I have started to ease up on the gas a little, with the next rally in mind," added Loeb.

Sordo won the day's final stage to hold back Hirvonen who finished on a bare wheel after suffering a puncture.

Results after 14 stages:
1. Sebastien Loeb (Fra) Citroen C4 2:32:22.6
2. Dani Sordo (Spa) Citroen C4 at 40.3sec
3. Fran�ois Duval (Bel) Ford Focus 1:44.3
4. Mikko Hirvonen (Fin) Ford Focus 1:48.2
5. Petter Solberg (Nor) Subaru Impreza 2:28.7
6. Chris Atkinson (Aus) Subaru Impreza 3:32.1
7. Henning Solberg (Nor) Ford Focus 4:33.4
8. Urmo Aava (Est) Citroen C4 4:57.1
9. Jari-Matti Latvala (Fin) Ford Focus 4:59.7
10. Toni Gardemeister (Fin) Suzuki SX4 5:43.7