Sebastien Loeb has given his fellow countryman Sebastien Ogier a big pat on the back after the 24-year-old took a convincing victory in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship category in Mexico.

Ogier was making his debut in the WRC last weekend, but despite his inexperience, the Equipe de France FFSA man didn't put a foot wrong and he led from start to finish in his C2 S1600.

Indeed he obliterated the competition on day 1 of the event, winning seven of the eight stages and he eventually took the class win by just over one and a half minutes, a great performance.

"There was so much that was new to Sébastien and Julien [Ingrassia - his co-driver], and it really wasn't easy for them," noted Loeb.

"Despite that, they put in just the sort of run that was expected of them, that is to say quick to begin with before controlling from in front. Their win is a great omen. Congratulations!"

Citroen Sport team boss Olivier Quesnel and Nicolas Deschaux, president of the FFSA, meanwhile were also impressed with how Ogier performed on the Leon-based event.

"Sébastien Loeb's performance at the sharp end of the leader-board was mirrored by the first class run of Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia in the FIA Junior WRC with their Citroën C2 Super 1600," Quesnel noted. "The Equipe de France FFSA-backed driver won his first world class outing which really is something of an achievement."

"Sébastien and Julien accomplished the mission we gave them to the letter. I am very pleased with the result and also the way they set about achieving it," added Deschaux. "Given their limited experience, their success is a major feat.

"However, along with Olivier Quesnel and Citroen, we are perfectly aware that this result is just one step in their bid to win the Junior World Rally Championship title at the end of the year."

Rally Live / Eurosport