Loeb clinches record 5th World Rally Championship in Japan

As grippingly dramatic as it was in its closing rounds, yesterday's Brazilian Grand Prix wasn't the only motor sport event held this past weekend. In fact, it wasn't the only top-level championship decider, either, as Sebastien Loeb sailed to his record-beating 5th consecutive World Rally Championship yesterday at Rally Japan.

The achievement beats Loeb's own quadruple title record, which he shared with Tommi Makinen and Juha Kankkunen (both Finns). But with the fifth under his belt, Loeb emerges from the ranks as the sole quintuple champion. Even more remarkable is that championships were earned in succession and uninterrupted. Also remarkable was that Loeb secured the title one rally early, and didn't even have to win the event to lock up the championship. Follow the jump to read how it happened.

[Source: Autosport]