Defending world champion Sebastien Loeb wrapped up victory at the Sardinia Rally yesterday to move seven points clear at the top of the world championship standings.

The Frenchman led off and held his nerve on the gravel tracks to finish in 3 hours, 45 minutes, 40.9 seconds and claim his 64th World Rally Championship win.

Ford's Mikko Hirvonen was second, 11.2 seconds behind, while Citroen's Petter Solberg took third a further 23.8 seconds in Loeb's wake.

Loeb leads the standings with 100 points, seven ahead of Hirvonen and 19 in front of compatriot Sebastien Ogier.