Ogier crash in Catalunya hands Mikkelsen maiden win

World champion Sebastien Ogier crashed out on the final stage of the Rally of Catalunya on Sunday to hand a first ever world rally championship victory to Norwegian teammate Andreas Mikkelsen.

Another Volkswagen driver, Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala was second ahead of home favourite Dani Sordo in third.

Ogier, who sealed his third consecutive world title with three races to spare at the Rally of Australia last month, seemed set to seal his eighth victory of the season as he led Mikkelsen by 50 seconds heading into the 23rd stage.

However, the Frenchman ripped one of his tyres when colliding with a security barrier which forced him to retire.

Mikkelsen finished 3.1 seconds ahead of Latvala with Sordo 21.2 seconds back.

The 26-year-old's maiden victory comes in his 64th world rally having previously been on the podium 12 times.

Victory also ensures he will finish third in the championship standings.

Latvala's podium finish mathematically secures his position in second behind Ogier for the second consecutive season.

Source: AFP