Pierre Louis-Loubet and Vincent Landais have been confirmed as WRC 2 world champions following the cancellation of this weekend’s final round in Australia.

The 22-year-old French driver lifted the crown by three points after Kennards Hire Rally Australia was called off earlier this week after devastating bushfires affected the region around host town Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.

Loubet travelled to Australia in a commanding position. Second-placed Kajetan Kajetanowicz had already completed his allocated number of rounds and Loubet held a 16-point advantage over Mexico’s Benito Guerra in third.

The cancellation of the Australian fixture meant the positions remained unchanged and Skoda Fabia driver Loubet could celebrate following a season in which he won two of the six rounds he started.

“What a fantastic year in team 2C Compétition where our 6 out of 7 results allow us to win the WRC 2 this season,” he wrote on social media.

“Thank you to all my partners who have been following me from the beginning. And, of course, to Vincent to whom I owe a lot!

“Obviously my thoughts go to the people of New South Wales who are going through a dramatic moment.”

Loubet dedicated his title to fellow countryman Anthoine Hubert. The Formula 2 race driver died following an accident during the feature race at Spa in Belgium in August.

Nicolas Deschaux, president of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile, congratulated Loubet on his success.

“I’m very happy for Pierre-Louis who I have followed for many years. He has demonstrated all his potential this season and this world title rewards his perseverance,” he said.

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