The Frenchman moved within four points of a fourth-successive world crown after claiming victory in Sligo by 53.4 seconds from Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo - but the triumph was far from straightforward.

The wet and muddy Irish roads proved challenging for all the drivers but Loeb managed the right mix of caution and speed despite suspension problems on day one and a 10-second penalty early today for being late out of the service area after electrical problems.

“The rally was really, really difficult, but we managed to finish it,” Loeb told www.autosport.com.

“Ten points more for the championship is really important. That could change a lot of things – we will see in GB.”

Loeb won nine of the 16 stages in legs one and two, while BP Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen took two victories on leg three and Jari-Matti Latvala (Stobart Ford) and Petter Solberg (Subaru) claimed a stage win each.

Latvala’s victory contributed to a first podium finish, while Hirvonen’s fourth-place finish was enough to seal the constructors’ title for BP Ford - something which could prove scant consolation to his 39-year-old compatriot and team-mate Gronholm, who is set to retire at the end of the season.

Loeb, who now has 36 career wins and eight victories this season, found the conditions on the Irish asphalt to be the most challenging of his honours-laden career.

“For sure this rally was one of the most difficult we have ever done, because it was very muddy, but the car was really good,” he added.

Gronholm’s crash into a wall on Friday’s fourth stage left Loeb in cautious mood – the 33-year-old did not want a repeat of Rally Japan where Gronholm exited before he followed suit the next day.

“I had a really good feeling and I was not pushing so hard, just driving through with no risks,” Loeb added.

Finland’s Gronholm was not the only rider to exit the race – Subaru’s Chris Atkinson and Xevi Pons, Henning Solberg (Stobart Ford), Manfred Stohl (OMV Citroen), and DMG Subaru privateer Kris Meeke all crashed out.

Latvala was delighted to claim his first top-three finish. “It’s a big relief,” he said. “I feel very good now. Being third in these kind of difficult conditions – I’m more than happy.”

Hirvonen drove conservatively following Gronholm’s exit to ensure his Ford team claimed the manufacturers’ crown.

“It’s quite amazing,” said Hirvonen. “We had a fantastic year last year, but this year has been even better.”

Norway’s Petter Solberg was fifth overall, while Britain’s Guy Wilks was sixth.

Britain’s Matthew Wilson (Stobart Ford) and Ireland’s Gareth MacHale (Ford Focus) were seventh and eighth, respectively.