Sebastien Ogier has reignited the World Rally Championship (WRC) title race after clinching victory at Rally Japan, trimming Elfyn Evans’ lead to just three points ahead of the season finale in Saudi Arabia.
The eight-time world champion produced a dominant display in treacherous wet conditions, winning by 11.6 seconds over his Toyota teammate.
Evans stays in front, but pressure builds
Welshman Evans, 36, collected 25 points for finishing second, maintaining his position at the top of the standings with 272 points. Ogier, meanwhile, earned the maximum 35 to move up to 269. “It’s been a fun weekend trying to fight with Seb,” Evans said, admitting the heavy rain made the final stages far from enjoyable.
Rovanpera slips out of contention
Defending champion Kalle Rovanpera’s hopes of a third consecutive title faded after a tough outing. The Finnish driver damaged his rear suspension early on and eventually finished sixth, leaving him 24 points behind Evans with only one rally remaining. “Definitely not the weekend we wanted, but sometimes it’s like this,” said Rovanpera, who will switch to circuit racing next season.
Ogier eyes Loeb’s record
Ogier, who has now claimed six rally wins this season, was delighted with what he called a “perfect weekend.” The 41-year-old Frenchman is chasing a ninth world title, which would equal compatriot Sebastien Loeb’s all-time record. “After the rain, nothing was certain — it was like the start of a new rally this morning,” Ogier said. “Now, let’s go to the next one and hope the finale isn’t a lottery.”
Toyota secure fifth straight title
Regardless of the individual outcome, Toyota Gazoo Racing have already sealed their fifth consecutive manufacturers’ crown and will occupy the top three spots in the drivers’ standings. Sami Pajari finished third in Japan, giving Toyota a clean sweep of the podium ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tanak and Ford’s Gregoire Munster.
Saudi Arabia awaits the showdown
The WRC season will conclude later this month with the inaugural Rally Saudi Arabia from 25 to 29 November. With just three points separating Evans and Ogier, the desert stages promise a dramatic finale to one of the closest title battles in recent years.
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