The result all but guarantees Ford the manufacturers' title, although mathematically speaking, Citroen remain in contention - as they are 34 points adrift and 36 are still available with two rounds to go.
Mikko's team-mate and current championship leader, Gronholm did not finish after crashing out in SS4. He remains top in the drivers' championship though as Loeb failed to score too.
Daniel Sordo meanwhile took the runners-up spot, which was some consolation for
Citroen, after Seb went off when his co-driver, Daniel Elena called out the wrong pace note in SS13.
Loeb re-started under the SupeRally on day 3 but had mechanical problems in SS26 and did not finish.
Sordo for his part though was happy with second, his best ever result on a gravel surface event – and his third podium finish in succession. He was also pleased with his stage times and in total he set top five times in every single test, bar three, including six stage victories.
“I'm not only happy with second position but also the pace I was able to maintain on gravel with many stage times at the level of Seb, Marcus and Mikko,” he confirmed. “We will try to end the season at this encouraging rhythm.”
Henning Solberg took the final spot on the rostrum, albeit more than 4.5 minutes off Sordo in his
Stobart Ford. The Norwegian eased off a lot on the final day however, eager to ensure he took P3 on his first outing in Japan.
“After going flat out on Friday we could maintain a steady pace afterwards to secure this third place that is very important for us and for the sponsors. It is our first time in Japan, I enjoyed it both for the food and for the stages,” said Henning.
Henning's team-mate,
Matthew Wilson was fourth in the ‘third' Stobart entry, having overhauled Munchi's team leader Luis-Perez Companc in the final ‘proper' test of the day.
![Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen celebrate their victory. Rally Japan 2007. [PIC CREDIT: FORD / www.worldrallypics.com]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/393410.jpg)
