Citroen only needed six points to be sure of the manufacturers' title while rivals Peugeot needed a one-two to keep the fight alive going into the final round in Australia.

BBC: Loeb won nine stages of the Rally of Catalunya

But that didn't stop it from being an action fight filled with big punches, one that was in doubt even as it went into the final round.

NPR: Alvarado Wins Rematch Over Rios By Decision