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Summary Sebastien Loeb clinched his ninth consecutive world rally title after winning Rally France Sunday.
The French driver needed only to finish ahead of his Citroen teammate Mikko Hirvonen of Finland to guarantee another world crown.Although Loeb drove cautiously over the days six stages, he had already established a comfortable lead and Hirvonen hardly made up any ground, finishing third overall behind Jari-Matti Latvala of Finland.Loeb was 54 seconds clear of Hirvonen overnight and appeared happy just to protect his advantage. Loeb had won four stages on Friday and Saturday, but failed to win any on Sunday.Loeb expects to race in no more than five rallies next season as he prepares to make the transition to a new career with Citroen in World Touring Cars.
