The frenchman capped off a sensational 2014 with another driving masterclass throughout the weekend, eventually finishing 37.6 seconds clear of his nearest rival, Finland's Mikko Hirvonen - With 163 starts in the WRC, 15 wins, 69 podium finishes and a four-time runner-up in the World Rally Championship, the popular driver bowed out from the Championship in the Ceremonial Finish in Llandudno.

Ogier said: "I'm delighted with this victory – that was the target.

"We started by going flat-out on Friday, after that, it became a case of controlling everything, but since this was a proper Wales Rally GB with tricky conditions over all three days, there was never any room to relax.

"I had to fight against myself a bit, because even with a good lead, it's still far from easy and the key was to avoid all the potential pitfalls. There's no doubt that this is absolutely the best way to finish the season."

In addition to the 30-year-old's stunning victory, there was also a brilliant showing from local favourite Elfyn Evans.

Evans managed to finish a strong fifth position, continuing his good form in the second half of the season.The young driver from Dinas Mawddwy was taking in the event for the first time in a World Rally car, but despite that ran in the top-seven throughout and gradually upped his pace, going second quickest in SS20, as well as posting a trio of fourth quickest times on the final day.

"At the beginning of the event, we would definitely have taken this result," Evans said.

"The overall performance over the weekend was quite strong, but there were areas where we could have been better.

"This year has been a solid start to my WRC career – a bit up-and-down for sure, but we have an excellent bank of experience to build upon in the future.

"Next year will be the most important one for me to really prove that we can compete at the highest level."

Other Welsh competitors also celebrated success in the support categories, with Cumbrian's Matthew Wilson just pipping Welshman Tom Cave to third in WRC 2 behind class winner Jari Ketomaa. Osian Pryce despite not registered in the WRC2 stunned his fellow competitors to secure an overall top-20 position on Wales Rally GB.Pryce had never driven a four-wheel drive car heading in to the week's final WRC round but managed to put in an impressive performance to gain the attention of teams and seasoned competitors.