Relative newcomer Sebastien Ogier set the Algarve countryside alight to claim his first WRC victory at the Vodafone Rally of Portugal.
“This is a moment of great happiness. I am radiant”, the 26-year-old Frenchman said after holding off the determined challenge of six-time champion and favourite Sebastien Loeb over the four days of competition.
His Citröen C4 showed early signs of superiority during the pre-race ‘shakedown’ before establishing a lead he was subsequently not to relinquish during Friday’s first stage proper.
In between, Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen posted a best time over the opening Stadium of the Algarve superspecial, but the Finn soon faded.
By Sunday morning, Loeb had closed the gap on Ogier to 21 seconds. The supposedly senior of the two Citröen team’s drivers pushed his compatriot all the way back to Loulé, but unlike in New Zealand last year the younger man held his nerve to cross the finishing line 7.9 seconds in front.
A place alongside the old master should now be in the offing for the heir apparent next season.
High profile off-road racing is already back in the limelight next week with the start of the ‘mini-Dakar’ Rally TT Vodafone Estoril-Portimão-Marrakech.
The motorcade leaves the capital on Sunday and reaches the Algarve two days later. The remaining stages, until the event’s June 13 conclusion, will take place on Moroccan territory.
