The 2025 FORUM8 Rally Japan delivered everything fans love about rallying — speed, strategy, heartbreak, and pure spectacle. Under the lights and narrow tarmac twisties of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s home rally, Sébastien Ogier proved once again why he remains one of the sport’s greatest. Despite immense pressure and tricky Japanese roads, the eight-time world champion conquered the event with precision and poise.
Ogier’s Masterclass on Home Ground
Ogier held off teammate Elfyn Evans in a breathtaking duel that went down to the wire. The Welshman turned up the heat on Saturday morning, slicing Ogier’s lead to just 2.0 seconds, but the Frenchman kept his cool to secure victory. The win not only showcased Ogier’s unrelenting class — even as a part-time driver — but also tightened the WRC title race with just one round to go in Saudi Arabia.
Evans leads the standings on 272 points, followed closely by Ogier at 269, with Kalle Rovanperä still in mathematical contention on 248 — making it a Toyota-dominated leaderboard. Regardless of the final outcome, Toyota Gazoo Racing has already sealed a commanding grip on both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships.
Rally Drama in the Land of the Rising Sun
No WRC weekend is ever without drama — and Rally Japan was no exception.
Home favorite Takamoto Katsuta suffered heartbreak after hitting a chicane and losing power steering, ending his home campaign prematurely. Adrien Fourmaux’s M-Sport Ford took a hit too, losing a co-driver door after a muddy off — “I could not see much,” he explained.
Thierry Neuville’s broken driveshaft hampered his rhythm, while Kalle Rovanperä’s hopes faded after suspension damage on SS3 — a rare misstep for the Finnish prodigy. “I came too fast — a bit too optimistic,” admitted Kalle. Meanwhile, Josh McErlean’s accident led to an early retirement.
A Weekend of Farewells and Firsts
The rally was tinged with emotion as Ott Tänak announced he’ll step away from rallying in 2026 to focus on family and future plans — a huge moment for Hyundai and the sport at large. “I’ll be back, in one way or another,” promised the Estonian ace.
Adding to the emotional weekend, Kalle Rovanperä officially confirmed his retirement from WRC to pursue a career in Formula 1 — closing a golden chapter for one of rally’s youngest-ever world champions.
But amid the exits came new milestones: Sami Pajari celebrated his first-ever WRC podium, finishing third behind Ogier and Evans — a sign that the next generation of rally stars is already stepping up.
Looking Ahead: The Saudi Showdown
As the championship heads into its final round in Saudi Arabia, all eyes are on the Toyota camp. Will team orders come into play to hand Evans his long-awaited world title? Or will Ogier — the master of comebacks — spoil the party one last time?
Whatever happens, Rally Saudi Arabia promises fireworks. And as Rally Fanatics, we’ll be right there with every twist, split, and shock moment.
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