The result leaves the Citroen driver six points clear of BP Ford’s Gronholm going into the final round of the championship in Wales, leaving Loeb requiring fifth place or better to triumph.

Loeb said: “Anything can happen in the next round but I will try to finish in the top five.

“I will have to try not to fight with Marcus – it would be dangerous to fight, we’re always on the edge and sometimes you’re not far from going out. But it will not be easy.

“It’s not easy to find a rhythm when you don’t want to be as fast as possible - then you get a good feeling. In ways I will have to think differently. It will be difficult.”

Loeb has eight victories this season, taking his career tally to 36, and Gronholm, who retires at the end of the season, will be relying on the Frenchman to slip up as he bids for a third world title, after victories in 2000 and 2002.

The duo have battled for supremacy on the asphalt and gravel across the globe, leading to the climax on the Welsh roads, beginning with the opening stage in Port Talbot.

“The three other championships I’ve won were by a bigger margin,” added Loeb.

“Now everything will be decided in the last round and it means more pressure. It’s very exciting for everybody.”

And Loeb, who became a father for the first time the day after his triumph in Ireland, believes a fourth title would be the pinnacle of his career.

“It will be really great to win this year as it has been really competitive,” said Loeb.

“All the time I was in a big battle with Marcus. If we could win the championship that would be great.”

Loeb’s win in Ireland made up for his error in the previous round in Japan where Gronholm exited on leg one and Loeb followed suit the following day.

The Finn was once again forced to retire early in Sligo, but Loeb ensured he stayed on the road to take control of the championship.

“It was very tricky in Ireland and Marcus made a mistake,” added Loeb.

Loeb insists his relationship with Gronholm will not change despite the sporting rivalry and they will continue to talk to each other throughout the final round of competition.

“We talk always together, so there’s no reason to change,” he said.

“Marcus has had a great season also, so obviously I hope it will be me who wins, but if it’s Marcus then it’s his last season.”

The Frenchman has two seasons remaining on his contract with the French team and despite his 39-year-old rival’s plans to quit the sport, he has made no firm plans over his future.

“At the moment I have signed with Citroen until 2009 and after that I don’t know – it depends on my motivation,” said Loeb.