Sebastien Loeb

Photo: monacoeye • Monte Carlo • 27 January 2008

Sebastien Loeb sealed his first victory of the year today, in the first event of the 2008 World Rally Championship.

The final stage of the Monte Carlo Rally was held on the lower half of the Grand Prix track around the port, with cars racing in staggered pairs.

Australian Chris Atkinson drove like a complete loony in the port stage and finished with the fastest time, allowing him to hold on to third place in the general rankings by just one second. Finn Mikko Hirvonen finished second overall.

2007 World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, and Monegasque co-driver Daniel Elena, cruised home in 8th place in the final port stage, but 1st in the overall rankings, with a comfortable two and a half minute lead over Hirvonen. This was Loeb's fifth Monte Carlo Rally victory.