Citroen's Sebastien Loeb was officially crowned the 2007 FIA World Rally champion on Friday night during the FIA's annual prize giving gala held in Monte Carlo.

The Frenchman secured the title on the Wales Rally GB last weekend, when he brought his C4 WRC car home in third place. It is the fourth year in succession he has taken the title and it came following a year long scrap with Marcus Gronholm, who eventually finished four points behind.

"Winning a fourth title is simply great. This one has been really tough to clinch but we did it in the end," reflected Loeb. "In my personal rankings I still think the first one has a special flavour, but this would come second if I had to choose.

"The competition was extreme with Marcus and I really had to push all year round to make it happen. Above all I am also very pleased for this title for the Citroën team, which has proven competitiveness and performance again, and with a new car. But especially so for Guy Frequelin, our boss, who is retiring at the end of the month.

"Daniel [Elena – my co-driver] and myself want to say thank you very much for everything he did for us and the team."

Marcus Gronholm meanwhile, who announced his plans to retire back in September, was also at the ceremony and he noted it was an 'emotional' evening.

"This has been one of the most exciting seasons for many years," added the BP Ford man.

"Our battle for the driver's championship went down to the final round and the closeness of the competition was typified by Rally New Zealand where my fight with Sébastien Loeb ended with a margin of just 0.3 seconds after three days of flat-out driving. It doesn't get any better than that.

"I'm delighted to be in Monaco tonight although I must admit its an emotional evening because having announced my retirement from the World Rally Championship this is my final appearance here as a driver."

To see a selection of pictures from the FIA's prize gala – CLICK HERE. All pictures courtesy of the FIA.