As the World Rally Championship roars into its climactic finale at Rally Japan, the stakes have never been higher. Toyota and Hyundai are locked in a fierce battle for the manufacturers’ title, while Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville edges closer to his first drivers’ crown.
With tight, twisty roads and unpredictable conditions, this year’s Rally Japan promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat action as the world’s best fight for glory.
Here’s how the Rally1 field stacks up ahead of this pivotal showdown.
Thierry Neuville: Destiny Awaits?
- Last 3 Results: 3rd, 4th, 1st
- Best Rally Japan Result: 1st (2022)
Neuville enters Japan with a 25-point cushion in the drivers’ standings and Hyundai’s manufacturers’ hopes resting on his shoulders. His season has been defined by consistency, but Rally Japan’s tricky roads have been both a triumph and a trap for the Belgian-winning in 2022 but crashing out in 2023.
The question is, will Neuville drive conservatively to secure the title or push hard to maintain his rhythm? A cautious approach could seal the championship, but any misstep opens the door for his rivals.
Ott Tänak: The Spoiler
- Last 3 Results: 1st, 3rd, 3rd
- Best Rally Japan Result: 2nd (2022)
The in-form Tänak has podiumed in his last three outings, including a commanding win at the Central European Rally. Though he’s effectively out of the drivers’ race, the Estonian’s aggressive style could disrupt Neuville’s path to the title.
Tänak has also hinted at supporting Hyundai’s manufacturers’ ambitions, but make no mistake: he’s here to win. Expect Tänak to go flat-out in Japan, with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Elfyn Evans: Toyota’s Key Player
- Last 3 Results: 2nd, 2nd, 18th
- Best Rally Japan Result: 1st (2023)
Evans is out of the drivers’ title hunt, but he’s Toyota’s best bet for securing the manufacturers’ championship. A master of Japan’s narrow roads, he won here in 2023 and has been a consistent force on asphalt this season.
Though his 2024 campaign hasn’t delivered the personal accolades he hoped for, Evans has all the tools to end the season on a high and deliver crucial points for Toyota.
Sébastien Ogier: The Wild Card
- Last 3 Results: DNF, 36th, 16th
- Best Rally Japan Result: 2nd (2023)
Ogier’s 2024 season hasn’t gone as planned, with three crashes in as many events tarnishing his full-time return. Yet the eight-time world champion remains a critical asset for Toyota. His goal now is singular: secure the manufacturers’ title for his team.
Ogier has shown flashes of brilliance in Japan, and an error-free run could see him back on top. Never count out a champion.
Adrien Fourmaux: The Dark Horse
- Last 3 Results: 32nd, 5th, 21st
- Best Rally Japan Result: DNF (2023)
With no championship pressure, Fourmaux is free to focus on one thing: results. The Frenchman’s 2024 season has featured four podiums, proving he’s capable of delivering under the radar. Japan’s technical roads will test him, but don’t be surprised if Fourmaux snags another trophy to end the year.
Takamoto Katsuta: Hometown Hero
- Last 3 Results: 4th, 30th, 41st
- Best Rally Japan Result: 3rd (2022)
Katsuta enters his home rally with momentum after a strong performance in Central Europe. His speed in Japan last year was sensational, winning 10 of 22 stages despite early misfortune. As Toyota pushes for the manufacturers’ crown, Katsuta could play a pivotal role while aiming for a career-defining result.
Andreas Mikkelsen: The Dependable Veteran
- Last 3 Results: 31st, 6th, 6th
- Best Rally Japan Result: 7th (2023)
Mikkelsen has been tasked with helping Tänak fend off Toyota in the manufacturers’ race. Improved confidence with Hyundai’s i20 setup makes him a sleeper pick for a strong finish, but any mistake could spell disaster. His ability to combine speed with reliability will be critical.
The Title Scenarios
With just 30 points up for grabs, Neuville is in pole position to clinch his maiden drivers’ title, but Tänak remains a looming threat. For the manufacturers’ battle, every driver’s performance matters as Toyota seeks to reclaim the title from Hyundai.
What’s at Stake
Rally Japan 2024 isn’t just the season finale-it’s a high-stakes showdown where careers, legacies, and team ambitions hang in the balance. With tight roads, unpredictable weather, and no margin for error, this is rallying at its most dramatic.
