SEBASTIEN Loeb, Frances's latest racing sensation, is the new World Rally of France, whilst his team, Citroen, has taken the world manufacturer's title for the second year in a row. Loeb's second place in Corsica was his 11th podium finish of the 14 rallies completed this year, five of which finished in outright victory for the astonishingly consistent Frenchman and his co-driver Daniel Elena.

Meanwhile Citroen, which runs Xsara WRC cars for both Loeb and Carlos Sainz, has retained its world title by scoring 14 points in Corsica. Sainz, who earlier this year became the most successful WRC driver of all time with 26 victories, brought his own Xsara home in third position, giving the team an unassailable total of 178 points, 51 ahead of nearest rival Ford with two rallies still remaining.

Claude Satinet, Sporting Director of Automobiles Citroen, said, "Citroen Sport achieved their objectives, even before the end of the season. That is very satisfying. Thanks top excellent organisation and perseverance, they put in a perfect performance in 2004, of which the race in Corsica is another example."