Sebastien Loeb record fifth win

Leob got his quest for an unprecedented fifth world title off to the perfect start by winning the season's opening rally in Monte Carlo.

The Citroen driver led from the timed stages on Thursday.

Ford's Mikko Hirvonen finished second overall, two minutes 34 seconds back, while Subaru's Chris Atkinson won a battle with Francois Duval for third.

Loeb's triumph also saw him claim a record fifth Monte Carlo title.

The Frenchman is now the most successful driver in the event, which was first run in 1911.

Loeb's team-mate Dani Sordo had been in second overall on Saturday before he was forced to retire with an engine problem, leaving the way open for Hirvonen to take the runner-up spot.