World champion Sebastien Ogier won the Wales Rally GB for the first time on Sunday to crown an impressive debut season with Volkswagen.

The Frenchman’s victory in the 13th and final round of the world championship was his ninth of the season.

Only outgoing champion Sebastien Loeb, who won 10 out of 13 stages in 2005, can boast a better campaign record than his 29-year-old compatriot.

Ogier’s teammate Jari-Matti Latvala, winner of the last two editions of the British rally, was second ahead of Thierry Neuville’s Ford Fiesta RS.

Neuville’s podium place allowed the Belgian to clinch second position in a championship long since won by Ogier.

“I’m so happy, and big thanks to the team once again – the car was perfect,” Ogier told WRC.com.

“I came here knowing this rally was not the best for me in the past and, even with that, we managed to win a battle with a teammate who feels at home here,” added Ogier, whose previous best finish in Wales was 11th in 2011.

“It was another great victory for us and the end of a perfect season. It’s going to be a hard challenge to do better next year.”

Latvala, who finished 21.8 seconds behind his teammate, said: “I’m disappointed because I won this rally in 2011 and 2012 and I was hungry for the third victory, but it didn’t work out this year.

“Speed-wise, it was good but there have been too many little mistakes, and a bit of hesitation.

“It’s like I haven’t had the rhythm all the weekend. That’s the problem and that’s what I need to concentrate on next year.

“The speed is there – that’s the main thing. Now the rhythm needs to be right.”