Wilks had been fastest on all 10 stages of the rally to finish one minute and 30 seconds ahead of three times former Champion Mark Higgins, in a Subaru Impreza, and celebrated back-to-back Trackrod victories by cracking the traditional champagne while standing on the bonnet of his factory-backed car.
The result seemed to have thrown the title race wide open again - hoisting Wilks back up into championship contention with just one round remaining (the Wales Rally GB in December), but the shock decision by the stewards, which Mitsubishi are expected to appeal against, could derail his title defence.
It could pave the way for 2004 Trackrod winner Higgins, who subsequently inherited his fourth victory of the season, to go on and add another British title to those he secured in 1997, 2005 and 2006.
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