Sport

Latvala wins in Britain as Loeb takes WRC title

07:29 am on 14 November 2011

Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala completed a comfortable victory at the season-ending Rally of Britain after title-winner Sebastien Loeb crashed out in a head-on collision with another car.

Latvala began the day in a close fight with Loeb but was virtually guaranteed victory when the Citroen driver was involved in an accident with a member of the public.

The Frenchman, who wrapped up a record eighth successive championship on Saturday when title rival Mikko Hirvonen dropped out, collided with the other car while leaving the 18th stage in mid-Wales.

Latvala's victory was his first since Finland last season and Ford's third in this year's championship after his team mate Hirvonen won in Sweden and Australia.

Loeb, who started the day 6.1 seconds behind the Finn, finished the season with 222 points, eight clear of Finland's Hirvonen in second, while France's Sebastien Ogier was third on 196.