Kris Meeke was overcome with emotions after winning his first ever WRC event on Rally Ar♛gentina, although he was quick to dedicate the triumph to his former mentor, the late Colin McRae.

Meeke led from SS2 onwards, winning three of the four proper stages 🦋on Friday to build an early 60 se𝓡cond plus buffer in his DS 3 WRC.

He then controlled from the front, heading home team-mate Mads Ostberg by 18.1 seconds💙 for a Citroen one-two - the team's first since 2012.

"෴Everything was fine until we got the end of the last stage," said Meeke, who now becomes the first British driver to win a WRC event since McRae won the Safari in 2002. "Once we had crossed the line, I was overcome with emotions. It will take time for it to really sink in.

"I did not start the rally aim🀅ing to fight for the win here. I just wanted to have an error-free rally. The seven-week break reall꧃y helped me.

"From the shakedown onwards, I felt full of confidence. It was a really difficult race but the DS 3 WRC is a solid and reliable car. All the other guys ♔had problems and we secured a one-two finish. Mads had a fantastic rally as well.

"I have to thank [Citroen boss] Yves Matton, who✱ believe💟d in me. He gave me a great opportunity and he has been supportive throughout.

"This is just the f🧜irst step in me thanking him for that support. I hoꦜpe there will be others.

"This one though is for Colin."

Meeke also explained just why McRae was so important in helping to shape his career: "He helped me at the very beginning and he supported me financially and took me right into the world championship. Without his support I would notꦰ be here.

"There has been a l🥀ot of people through the way but definitely Colin was the one that ha🍌s inspired my career."