Sebastien Loeb eased to victory in Rally Ireland on Sunday to make a perfect start to his defence of the World Rally Championship.
The Frenchman came in one minute 27.9 seconds ahead of his Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo, with Ford's Mikko Hirvonen back in third.
"It's been really tough but I'm happy to take the 10 points," said Loeb.
Henning Solberg was fourth, followed by Chris Atkinson, Sebastian Ogier, Matthew Wilson and Khalid Al Qassimi.
Loeb opted for a conservative approach in Sunday's five stages on the damp tarmac, winning only one of the day's tests.
Despite not pushing to the maximum there were moments of worry for the champion as he endured a major sideways moment as he ran off the stage on the penultimate test of the rally, but he regained his composure to cruise to victory.
Loeb added: "Tarmac rallies are especially important to me. This one has been tricky for everyone, but now we're here at the finish with maximum points.
"It's a good start to the season."
Hirvonen, Loeb's principal title rival in 2008, was also happy to get his challenge off to a solid start and his improving form on asphalt was shown by his four stage victories on the final day.
"It's a good start to the season," said the Finn.
"We had some problems this weekend, I was hoping I could fight with Sordo but maybe that will come another time. It's still a good start to my season.
"Now I'm looking forward to the next round in Norway."
Eamonn Boland was the top Irish finisher in ninth place.
The next round of the championship is the Rally of Norway, which starts on 13 February.
Rally Ireland standings after 14 stages:
2 D Sordo (Spn) Citroen +1:27.9
3 M Hirvonen (Fin) Ford 02:07.8
4 H Solberg (Nor) Ford 06:32.4
5 C Atkinson (Aus) Citroen 07:51.9
6 S Ogier (Fra) Citroen 10:44.0
7 M Wilson (GB) Ford 11:23.8
8 K Al Qassimi (UAE) Ford 14.07.9
9 E Boland (Irl) Subaru 15:23.4
10 U Aava (Est) Citroen 15:35.4
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk