It was also a good end to the season for team backers Stobart, with CEO Andrew Tinkler admitting that taking the fight to Subaru for the entire season was beyond expectations.

"The season has been fantastic and I don't think anyone would have expected us to challenge Subaru at the start of the year," he said. "It's great to see the young drivers developing during the year and especially Jari-Matti, who has improved a lot on both tarmac and gravel.

"This result is very encouraging as we head into next year; our pace is up there now and we just need to continue to push hard."