Dani Sordo said he was pleased to have succeeded in his 'precise mission' after a third place finish on Wales Rally GB helped Citroen to secure the 2008 WRC manufacturers' title.

Going into the weekend, Citroen held the advantage over Ford in the title fight and the French manufacturers' hopes increased on day one when Mikko Hirvonen plummeted down the order after going off the road.

Sordo ended leg one down in sixth place with his focus firmly on bringing his C4 WRC home in the points, but a stunning run through the first stage of day two put him firmly in contention towards the front of the field – although he admitted he wasn't sure how he had gone 18 seconds quicker through Resolfen than anyone else.

"I don't understand how I got such a fast time!" he said. "We had very good confidence with the notes and it worked very well. But it only lasted one stage! After that other people came in really fast with the ice and I had to be careful."

For the remainder of the event, Sordo found himself running in a podium position and third place, allied to team-mate Sebastien Loeb's first Wales Rally GB win, gave Citroen the crown.

"Before the start, we were given a precise mission and I am delighted to say that we fulfilled it to the letter, adding a little style, too, I think," Sordo said at the finish. "All year long, we have done our best to finish regularly in the points for Citroen.

"Seeing the team win the manufacturers' crown is the best imaginable reward for all those whose work and efforts helped make that possible."