Based in the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, Rally Japan covers 305.34 km across 20 tarmac stages. Since returning to the calendar in 2022, the event has earned a reputation for its narrow, twisty roads bordered by trees, barriers and steep drops.
With unpredictable autumn conditions adding rain, fog and fallen leaves, precision and patience will be critical across the weekend.
The World Rally Championship has reached a point where one small error could prove costly as four drivers head into this week’s penultimate round in Japan.
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans is the driver with the target on his back holding a 13-point lead over team-mates Sebastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanpera while Hyundai’s Ott Tanak is an outside shot, 50 points adrift.
While Evans holds the advantage of being first on the road for Japan’s narrow and twisty asphalt stages, he is rightly wary of the challenge ahead. Rally Japan’s stages comprise a seemingly endless amount of corners with hazards such as slippery leaves on the road surface, and the prospect of changeable weather.
One momentary lapse in concentration could go a long way in deciding the outcome of this year’s title.
Hazards aside, Evans, a four-time WRC title runner-up, will take confidence from the fact that he has already tamed Rally Japan twice before, winning the previous two editions of the event held on the roads surrounding Toyota City.
Following a bittersweet podium at the Central European Rally, Ott Tänak and co-driver Martin Järveoja remain mathematically in contention for the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles.
The crew will again compete in the Monte-Carlo-spec Hyundai i20 N Rally1, selected to give them consistency from Central European Rally and with it the best chance of maximising championship points.
Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe return to Japan looking to rebound after a frustrating weekend at Central European Rally. The Belgian crew, who secured their championship crowns at the event last year, will be aiming for a cleaner run on Japan’s demanding roads.
Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria head to Japan following a solid fifth-place finish at the Central European Rally. Making their first start at the event with Hyundai, the French crew are focused on maintaining their consistent pace and contributing to the team’s push to finish the season on a high.
For Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean, the event presents a key opportunity to demonstrate progress on Tarmac and build momentum heading into the season finale. Munster and co-driver Louis Louka return to Japan with valuable experience from previous seasons, taking home an impressive fifth overall last year.
McErlean made his debut in Japan last year in Rally2 machinery, and will look forward to making the jump up to Rally1 with some good knowledge of the event. Co-driver Eoin Treacy will make his first appearance in Japan, and the Irish pairing will be looking to quickly adapt to the country’s technical and demanding conditions.
