51: a record to be celebrated!

After a difficult first day of sweeping during which it held up well, the Citroën crew took the lead on Saturday morning to irremediably widen the gap on Mikko Hirvonen, who was helpless.

Today, on the last day, Loeb did not give his rival the slightest chance. During the first loop, the five-time World Champion set the two best times by opening the road. The dust remaining above the track in the absence of wind did not help the Ford driver but the gap was already too large.

Controlling during the last forty kilometers, Loeb won with almost thirty seconds ahead of Mikko Hirvonen and his Ford Focus RS WRC. Dani Sordo, leader during the first day, reached the podium for the second time this year for Citroën.

An example of consistency, Petter Solberg finished fourth in his Citroën Xsara WRC. The Norwegian was convinced that he would experience more difficulties in Portugal than in Cyprus, he was almost a minute behind Sordo at the finish.

Taking advantage of the late race retirements, Henning Solberg (Stobart) finished fifth ahead of Mads Ostberg (Adapta), Federico Villagra (Munchi?s) and Khalid Al Qassimi (Ford).

In the championship, Loeb has 40 points, already ten ahead of Hirvonen and seventeen over Sordo. Among manufacturers, Citroën is 24 points ahead of Ford.

Next stop in Argentina from April 24 to 26? Sébastien Loeb will aim for a 52nd victory!