Rally Japan – SS14: Elfyn Evans holds a commanding lead, Sébastien Ogier 2nd

Elfyn Evans almost squandered all the benefits of his excellent second stage of the Rally from Japan. In the very short final stage — a 3km section used for SS13 and 14 — the Welshman nearly hit a safety barrier as he entered a corner at high speed. A minor error that ultimately had no serious consequences, as the driver Toyota He cruised on, playing it safe, towards an evening he'll spend as the overall leader. Never truly troubled, Elfyn Evans did his job perfectly, extending his lead over Sébastien OgierAlthough he gained a few seconds on the super special stages at the end of the day, the driver from Gap is still 17,8 seconds behind his teammate. A gap that he himself considers very difficult to close.

In reality, it doesn't look easy, but Elfyn Evans can also make mistakes, as evidenced by his contact with the safety barrier. Victory should go to a Toyota in any case, since Sami Pajari completes the podium ahead of Takamoto Katsuta. Sami Pajari delivered a dazzling performance on Toyota's home turf, winning three stages, including the last two, bringing his total to four stage wins at Rally Japan.

Great duel in WRC2

However, it was more difficult for the Hyundaiwho are content with 5th, 6th and 7th positions, a good distance from the front. Adrien fourmaux He finishes the day as the highest-placed Hyundai driver, but the Northerner is already 2:05 behind the leader and more than a minute from the podium.

For its part, Thierry Neuville He had some clutch problems, but the end of the day looks more positive for the 2024 world champion. In WRC2, Nikolay Gryazin maintains his lead, but Alejancro Cachon has closed to within 5.7 seconds before what promises to be a thrilling final day. See you Sunday for the last six stages of Rally Japan.

ALSO READ > Relive the second stage of the Rally Japan with live text commentary

WRC – Rally Japan 
The classification of SS14

The general classification after SS14

Sunday's program

1:14 – SS15: Nukata 1 – 20,49 km (Canal+ Sport 360)
2:05 – SS16: Lake Mikawako 1 – 13,98 km (Canal+ Sport 360)
3:13 – SS17: Kuragaike SSS 1 – 2,56 km (Canal+ Sport 360)
3:32 – SS18: Kuragaike SSS 2 – 2,56 km (Canal+ Sport 360)
5:30 – SS19: Nukata 2 – 20,49 km (Canal+ Sport 360)
7:15 – SS20: Lake Mikawako 2 (Power Stage) – 13,98 km (Canal+ Sport 360)