The Citroen driver set the pace during the event but found a hard charging Mikko Hirvonen closing the gap on Sunday.

However, the Frenchman hung on to win by 10.6 seconds from championship leader Hirvonen to close to within three points of the Finn in the rankings.

"It's been difficult and I've had to push all the way, but it was important to get good points," said Loeb. "Mikko will still lead the championship, but OK, I'm happy - and of course win number 40 is nice for me."

This sixth round of the 15-rally series was the first European gravel fixture of the season.  Based in the north-east of Sardinia, the three-day event was characterised by tough narrow tracks south of Olbia. 

Competitors tackled 17 speed tests covering 344.73km, and despite heavy rain before the start, the rally itself was dry, although cloudy skies ensured temperatures were cooler than expected.