Seven-time world champion Loeb retired on Friday after engine failure and has two rallies left to try to fend off the challenge from Finland's Mikko Hirvonen, fourth in France, and Citroen team mate Ogier who are both three points back.

Ogier won the three-day rally by 6.3 seconds from Mini's Dani Sordo with Petter Solberg third. It was the Frenchman's fifth rally victory of the season.

"It's a very good feeling. We had some difficulties toward the end and I had not such a good drive on the Power Stage, but it was okay," Ogier told www.wrc.com after coming home third in the final Power Stage and picking up one bonus point.

"It (the championship) is still possible now but you will have to ask the team." Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala picked up a deliberate two-minute penalty to shunt struggling teammate Hirvonen up to fourth and keep alive his championship dream.

Latvala had his glory though by winning the Power Stage on the asphalt roads around Haguenau, Loeb's home town.

Loeb has won every championship since 2004.

The next rally is in Spain starting on Oct. 20.