“We’ve done everything that was asked”
Hayden Paddon remains hopeful Rally Japan won’t be his last Rally1 outing with Hyundai with the New Zealander eager for an opportunity on gravel. The one-time WRC rally winner and two-time European Rally champion rejoined rallying’s top tier for the first time since 2018 to share Hyundai’s third factory entry alongside Dani Sordo and Esapekka […]
Oliver Solberg highlights area he must “work on” after WRC Japan setback
Oliver Solberg identified what he needs to “work on” moving forward following a costly crash while fighting for victory at Rally Japan. The Toyota driver had been reeling in rally leader and team-mate Elfyn Evans when he was caught out by dirt on the road approaching a tight left-hander in stage 10. Solberg was unable to […]
Hyundai drivers relieved asphalt WRC season is over after “no comparison with Toyota”
Hyundai World Rally Championship drivers are relieved a series of asphalt rallies are over after a Rally Japan where they were again outclassed by rivals Toyota. Toyota was the overwhelming favourite to dominate the final asphalt rally of the season having taken a step forward with its GR Yaris, while Hyundai struggled to find answers […]
Elfyn Evans leads as deer delay Oliver Solberg
World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans produced a faultless drive in tricky changeable conditions to lead Rally Japan from Toyota team-mate Oliver Solberg. Evans made the most of starting first on the road while overnight rain meant Friday morning’s stages featured several damp patches waiting to catch out crews. Solberg took the early rally lead […]
Oliver Solberg crashes out while fighting for the lead
Oliver Solberg crashed out of Rally Japan while fighting for the lead with Toyota team-mate and World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans. The Monte Carlo winner had been setting green split times on his rivals, rally leader Elfyn Evans and third-placed Sebastien Ogier, during stage 10 when drama struck. Solberg lost the rear of his […]
Why Rally Japan win was «important» for Elfyn Evans in WRC title fight
Elfyn Evans reckons it was “important” to secure victory in Rally Japan, but has admitted it’s difficult to predict how crucial it will be in his quest for a maiden World Rally Championship title. The Toyota driver delivered a faultless blend of speed and perfect management this weekend to claim the final asphalt event of […]
Why Sebastien Ogier couldn’t take the fight to Elfyn Evans at Rally Japan
Sebastien Ogier has pinpointed the two key factors that ultimately prevented him from taking the fight to eventual Rally Japan winner Elfyn Evans over the weekend. The nine-time world rally champion headed to Japan with his sights firmly fixed on victory, but the defending event winner had to settle for second, 12.8s behind points leader […]
Elfyn Evans claims second win of 2026 to increase championship lead
Elfyn Evans tamed Rally Japan’s tricky asphalt stages to claim his second win of the World Rally Championship season after fending off reigning world champion Sebastien Ogier. Evans and co-driver Scott Martin produced a faultless display throughout the 20 asphalt stages to become the most successful driver in Rally Japan history by taking a third […]
Elfyn Evans leads Sebastien Ogier after Oliver Solberg’s dramatic exit
World Rally Championship leader Elfyn Evans leads Toyota team-mate Sebastien Ogier by 17.8s into the final day of Rally Japan after Oliver Solberg crashed out of victory contention. Evans headed into the longest leg of the rally with a 15.6s advantage over Solberg, but soon came under severe pressure from the Swede, who reduced the […]