The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team celebrated an outstanding result at Rally Japan, achieving a remarkable 1-2-3 finish. Sébastien Ogier prevailed over Elfyn Evans in a dramatic rain-soaked finale, with the drivers’ title to be decided among Toyota drivers in the final round of the season. Sami Pajari, in his first year in the WRC, completed the podium in third place.
This success marked the team’s third consecutive victory at the Japanese rally and its second with a triple podium finish, while for Ogier and his co-driver Vincent Landais it was their first win at this event.
The French multiple champion was locked in a fierce battle with Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin, with the gap between them remaining under 10 seconds for almost the entire three-day rally. Ogier started the final day with a 6.5-second lead, but wet conditions led to dramatic twists.
Evans appeared to gain the upper hand in the first morning loop, however Ogier responded with exceptional driving over the demanding final kilometres, winning consecutive stages and extending his lead to 11.5 seconds before the Power Stage.
In the finale, the two drivers were separated by just 0.096 seconds on the final stage, with Ogier also winning Super Sunday to collect the maximum 35 points, reducing his deficit to Evans to three points ahead of the final round in Saudi Arabia.
