Received on Wednesday at the Elysee by M. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, Sébastien Loeb has been knighted, receiving the Légion d'honneur.

From the President of France to the President of Fanloeb, including family, friends, ministers and other dignitaries, here are a few pictures of the ceremony.

> View pictures of the ceremony

The 'Légion d'honneur' is the first high decoration instituted after the French Revolution. It rewards the accomplishments of the citizens, apart from any social or hereditary consideration, in all sectors of activity in the country.

Received at the Elysée Palace for the official Knighting ceremony, Sébastien Loeb was promoted to the rank of Knight.

Surrounded by his family, friends and management of the PSA group, the five times World Champion Rally was warmly congratulated by Nicolas Sarkozy.

"I am very honored to receive this decoration from the President," says Sebastian. "This is a personal distinction, but I would like to share it with all members of the Citroen team. Every time we hear our national anthem on a rally, it inspires us with collective pride to fly the French colours. I hope I can continue to worthily represent my country by winning a sixth consecutive World Rally Championship title."