World rally champion Loeb cruises to record-equalling victory

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2004

PERTH, Australia (AFP) — World champion Sebastien Loeb of France wrapped up his record-equalling sixth win of the year as he coasted to victory over a depleted Rally Australia field.

The Citroen driver finished the 25-stage rally in 3hrs 39mins 46.8secs to join compatriot Didier Auriol as only the second man to achieve the feat.

"It's always nice to win so to win and equal a record is better," Loeb said. "We started the season with a victory and we finished with a victory."

Loeb, who finished 1:55.1 faster than Finland's Harri Rovanpera in a Peugeot 307, and 3:40.2 ahead of Belgian Francois Duval in a Ford Focus, had already secured the world championship in Corsica last month.

But he was virtually gifted Rally Australia after most of the top drivers...