2 Feb 2009

Loeb takes Rally Ireland

7:14 am on 2 February 2009

The world rally champion Sebastian Loeb has won the opening round of this year's World Rally Championship in Ireland.

Loeb cruised home to win Rally Ireland by one minute 27 seconds from Citroen teammate

Dani Sordo.

Mikko Hirvonen finished third for the BP Ford Abu Dhabi team, with Henning Solberg fourth.

It's Loeb's 48th win.

The next round is Rally Norway in 2 weeks' time.