Elfyn Evans Aims for Third Consecutive Victory at Rally Japan

Elfyn Evans is set to compete in the Rally Japan from November 6 to 9, aiming for his third consecutive victory in this prestigious event. The event marks a crucial point in the FIA World Rally Championship as Evans strives to secure his first drivers’ title. His team, Toyota Gazoo Racing, celebrates a recent achievement, having clinched the manufacturers’ title for the fifth consecutive year at the previous round, the Central European Rally.

With just two rallies remaining, the competition intensifies, especially for Evans. He currently holds a lead of 13 points over his teammates, eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier and two-time winner Kalle Rovanperä, who are tied on points after Rovanperä’s recent triumph in Central Europe.

Evans has successfully navigated the challenges of Rally Japan in the past, finishing in the top spot for the last two editions. In 2023, he led a TGR-WRT 1-2-3 finish, with Ogier and Rovanperä following closely behind. Reflecting on the upcoming event, he stated, “Rally Japan is always a big week as the home event for TGR and there’s a very special atmosphere. It’s not an easy rally with very demanding and twisty stages.”

The route for this year’s rally will predominantly feature narrow and twisting asphalt roads winding through the forested mountains of the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, near the city of Nagoya. The Toyota Stadium will again serve as the location for the service park, providing teams with essential support throughout the competition.

On the opening day, shakedown and the first competitive stage will commence at Kuragaike Park. Friday’s schedule includes a loop of three well-known stages—Inabu/Shitara, Shinshiro, and Isegami’s Tunnel—each repeated after a midday service. Saturday will see crews heading northeast for the new Obara stage alongside familiar tests at Ena and Mt Kasagi, with final runs in reverse order after a tyre-fitting zone at Enakyo Park.

The final leg on Sunday will take place to the southeast near Okazaki, featuring two passes of a super special stage and a tyre-fitting zone separating runs over the Nukata and Lake Mikawako stages.

Deputy Team Principal Juha Kankkunen commended Evans for his past performances, noting, “Elfyn has been doing a great job and has won Rally Japan the last two years, but we also know that Seb will be very motivated to bounce back after Central Europe and that Kalle is looking very quick on asphalt at the moment.” Kankkunen emphasized the unpredictability of the rally, suggesting that any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.

As Rally Japan approaches, the excitement among fans and competitors alike continues to build, with Evans determined to maintain his winning streak and enhance his championship standings.