With Sebastien Loeb taking a comfortable win from Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo by nearly a minute in Rally Ireland, the Frenchman is now on the brink of securing the title next time out in Rally Wales.

Championship rival Marcus Gronholm crashed out of last weekend's event, turning his four point advantage into a six point deficit. Citroen boss Guy Fréquelin knows that the advantage for the drivers' championship is now firmly in Loeb's hands.

"Sébastien and Daniel's victory puts them in a favourable position," said Fréquelin. "To sew up the title, Seb and Daniel now only need to score four points if Marcus Grönholm wins in Wales; that's equivalent to fifth place.

"Our third one-two of the year on asphalt speaks volumes for the C4 WRC's potential," he continued. "We have succeeded in winning every one of this year's sealed surface events in conditions ranging from dry and smooth to muddy and bumpy."