Rally Japan – Three samurai vying for the title

Before the start of the penultimate round of the season WRC, Toyota can approach his national competition with serenity. Another double victory at the recent rally Central Europe allowed the Japanese brand to clinch the Constructors' title, a victory for which there was no longer any suspense. This "formality" was accomplished without the need for team orders, something the team never does anyway. With that trophy already secured, the Drivers' title is now the focus, and it can be contested in a completely open manner between Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, who all have strengths to offer.

Having led the majority of the championship, Evans begins the end of the year with a 13-point advantage over his two teammates. It's not much, but on the other hand, it puts him in an ideal position. The Welshman is the only one who can clinch the title this weekend. To do so, he would need to score 23 more points than Sébastien Ogier and 22 more than Kalle Rovanperä. It's not impossible, but on merit, it still seems difficult to achieve. While his lack of flair can be criticized, the 36-year-old driver has chosen a different path: consistency. Since the start of the season, he has never finished outside the top six, scoring points every time, even when he was completely out of contention in terms of performance (Portugal, Estonia). On a few occasions, he also benefited from a bit of luck when problems for the competitors ahead of him allowed him to achieve unexpected results (Finland, Paraguay, etc.). This approach has worked since January, so why should he change it? Even though he enjoys this event, where he has won the last two editions, Elfyn doesn't need to try anything crazy this weekend. He can simply wait and see what his rivals do and adjust his pace accordingly. If he limits the loss of points, he'll still have every chance in Saudi Arabia. Sébastien Ogier won't be able to adopt this strategy.

Ogier and Rovanperä on the attack?

The accident in Central Europe came at the worst possible time for the Frenchman. Even though he managed to limit the damage with 10 points on Sunday, this first setback in his quest for a 9th place finish...^e The title will force him to react. In Japan, Ogier must take risks to close the gap to Evans and distance himself from Kalle Rovanperä. Of the three, he undoubtedly has the best chance, as he has always performed well on these unique roads. He hasn't had much luck with punctures in recent years, but his speed on asphalt this year and his ability to handle such situations should make him the favorite. Ultimately, everything will depend on how Kalle Rovanperä approaches this rally.

Japan is definitely not the Finn's favorite stage. The narrow roads don't suit him, as his driving style can't be fully expressed there. He did, however, manage to take 3rd place.^e Having secured a place in 2023, he arrives this year with the handicap of not having competed in the previous edition. He will likely lack some familiarity with the terrain, which may prove to be a factor at some point. The two-time world champion could, however, be as irresistible as he was in the Canary Islands and at the CER on this surface, where his feel for it is better than on gravel with the Hankook tires. The future Super Formula driver in Japan will also be in a completely liberated frame of mind after revealing that he will be leaving the WRC at the end of the year. Kalle is not obsessed with the title. This may well be his greatest asset and make him even more dangerous for his teammates. The race will not be a battle between these three. The crews Hyundai could have their say, while Takamoto Katsuta should not be ruled out as a contender for first place.

Starting Thursday afternoon, competitors will have 20 special stages to complete, representing 305,34 km of timed sections.