Citroen's Sébastien Loeb claimed a record-breaking seventh successive World Rally Championship crown at the Rally de France after dominating his home race in Alsace.

'To win the title here is the best thing that could happen' – Loeb

A 60th career victory for Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena confirmed the championship win after the Frenchman’s Citroen C4 WRC had led from start to finish once again, finishing 35.7 seconds ahead of nearest rival, fellow Citroen driver Dani Sordo.

Fittingly, the 36-year-old sealed the win in Haguenau – the town in which he was born.

"It is really special," he said. "It was a great but difficult rally. It was great to see so many people in my home town. To win the title here is the best thing that could happen."

With Sordo coming in second and privateer Petter Solberg 41.1 seconds behind him in third, it meant a podium clean sweep for Citroen, a result which gives the French marque an unassailable lead in the manufacturers’ championship, ensuring that the FIA crown will head to Paris for a sixth time.

WRC Rallye de France final results:

1. Sebastién Loeb 3:05:49.3 0.0 0.0
2. Dani Sordo 3:06:25.0 +35.7 +35.7
3. Petter Solberg 3:07:06.1 +41.1 +1:16.84. Jari-Matti Latvala 3:07:18.6 +12.5 +1:29.3
5. Mikko Hirvonen 3:09:33.1 +2:14.5 +3:43.8
6. Sebastién Ogier 3:17:45.2 +8:12.1 +11:55.9
7. Federico Villagra 3:20:04.7 +2:19.5 +14:15.4
8. Matthew Wilson 3:20:16.2 +11.5 +14:26.9