Sébastien Ogier doesn't think he can catch Evans at the Rally Japan

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 slipped away, making sure things went a little more smoothly, towards an evening he would spend in the role of the general's leader.

Never really troubled, Elfyn Evans did the job perfectly, widening the gap on 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.

When questioned late Saturday, Sébastien Ogier immediately dismissed the idea of ​​catching Evans on the final day. Honestly, no " he concluded, acknowledging that the gap had widened somewhat stabilized and was now too big "to hopefully fill it."

The nine-time world champion will therefore console himself by aiming for bonus points in the Super Sunday and Power Stage. That will be the main objective. " he confided, aware that the battle for victory is likely lost against his Welsh teammate.

However, Ogier noted a slight improvement in pace. The car's balance was a little better today. " he acknowledged, before adding a note of caution: Nevertheless, the speed is not yet fantastic. "Over the course of the day, the rider from Gap performed at the level of the 2025 runner-up, which is not..." Not bad, but not good enough to close the gap. ». 

Tune in on Saturday night/Sunday morning (from 1:10 am Paris time) for the conclusion of the Rally Japan, which, barring any dramatic events, will see Elfyn Evans crowned champion.

Interview conducted by Pierre Barré, in Japan. 

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