An incredible battle raged between Loeb (Citroen) and Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford) throughout the event, with the pair unable to back off despite the treacherous conditions.

In the end the fight came down to a final stage showdown that had the thousands of fans that lined the stage on their feet.

The pair entered the stage with Latvala leading Loeb by 2.2s. After the 20.09km test though the gap was 2.7s – with an ecstatic Loeb ahead.

It is the closest finish to Wales Rally GB ever.

“This one was really enjoyable – such a good fight with Jari-Matti. I tried everything I could in that last stage. Wow!” said Loeb.

Latvala said: “I couldn’t have driven better. The best man won.”

The closest finish in the World Rally Championship history was on last year’s New Zealand Rally, when Marcus Gronholm (Ford) beat Loeb (Citroen) by 0.3s.

The closest ever finish on Wales Rally GB prior to this result was in 2004, when Petter Solberg beat Loeb by 6.3s.

The result also confirms Citroen as 2008 Manufacturers Champions in the WRC.