Loeb slams regulations after Argentina win

(CNN) -- Sebastien Loeb called for a review of the new tire regulations in place for this year's World Rally Championship after he survived treacherous conditions to claim his fourth consecutive Rally Argentina and leadership of the overall standings.

The Frenchman had built a sizeable lead on the opening two days and his hopes of claiming his third rally win of the season were confirmed when nearest rival Petter Solberg was forced to retire during the opening stage on Sunday.

That allowed the four-time world champion the luxury of coasting through the final few stages in conditions he described as "the hardest I've ever faced", finishing two minutes 33 seconds ahead of Subaru driver Chris Atkinson.

Mikko Hirvonen, who had led the standings heading into this week's rally, finished fifth to trail Loeb by five points in the overall classification.

But despite his victory Loeb was critical of the new tire regulations in place this season, which left all the competitors to try and negotiate the muddy conditions on hard compound tires.

"I like difficult conditions but I thought Sunday's were the hardest I've ever faced. It wasn't so much of a problem for me because I had a good lead, so luckily I didn't have to push too hard, but it's almost impossible to drive in so much mud," said Loeb.

"I think we have to do something, otherwise it could be dangerous. In some places it was very hard to keep the car on the road at all." He added.

"Yes, we see fog, rain and mud on other rallies, but up to now we've always been able to choose an appropriate tire. I hope we can do something to improve the limited options we have now."

Loeb began Sunday with an 80-second advantage over Subaru driver Petter Solberg, however the Norwegian's hopes were dashed on the opening stage of the day when he was forced to retire after his car succumbed to electrical failure.

Loeb all but sealed victory when he successfully negotiated the tricky El Condor stage, to hold a two-minute-30-second lead heading into the final two road sections and Superspecial stage.

Finnish driver Hirvonen was second fastest in the Superspecial stage to claim fifth place and ensure he did not lose too much ground on Loeb in the overall standings.

Loeb's team-mate Daniel Sordo guaranteed Citroen had two drivers on the podium as he finished the rally in third. E-mail to a friend