[WRC] FORUM8 Rally Japan 2025

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3NMVG2XQAAT7tj?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3NMVG3WsAECWLN?format=jpg&name=large

[Dimitris]

My Rally Japan route preview:

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2025/rally-japan-2025-route-preview

Pretty similar to last year, Isegami's Tunnel has been reversed and slightly shortened, and Mt Kasagi has been extended from the start.

Last route preview from me this year, so thanks for tuning in!

[GigiGalliNo1]

I'll be there!

[sete]

Ill be there too
as a Photo accreditated person.
Weather prediction seems good for a rally weekend

[EstWRC]

i will be not!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Recce interviews:

https://youtu.be/IzYGTgjw7Pc?si=YDh9InQGsyZjEVfX

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ill be there too
as a Photo accreditated person.
Weather prediction seems good for a rally weekend

Come say hi! Tried to DM you...

[240RS]

Toyota 1-2-3-4-5 on the first run of the shakedown . . . Hyundai 6-7-8. . .

We need Ott and Thierry to put in a big shift this weekend. They need to keep us in some suspense. .

[flat_right]

Toyota 1-2-3-4-5 on the first run of the shakedown . . . Hyundai 6-7-8. . .

We need Ott and Thierry to put in a big shift this weekend. They need to keep us in some suspense. .

Sooooo good that the rally is during the night.

[EstWRC]

Just watched the shakedown and oh boy that understeer of Hyundai….

[archie106]

Great little stage, has to be a contender for super special of the year?

[EstWRC]

Agreed. Great stage for an opener

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone heard the forecast ?

Ogier suggesting it's going to be wet at times...

"Here, I think the biggest difficulties are probably the new section and the changing weather we can expect during the weekend — that’s definitely going to spice things up.”

[deephouse]

Just watched the shakedown and oh boy that understeer of Hyundai….

Actualy I noticed that Ogier had massive understeer, then Pajari some of it. Fourmaux on the other hand didn't have that problems. Do he have 2025 or 2024 car?

[EstWRC]

Actualy I noticed that Ogier had massive understeer, then Pajari some of it. Fourmaux on the other hand didn't have that problems. Do he have 2025 or 2024 car?

Fourmaux and Neuville with 25 car, Tänak with 24 car

[jcevc]

Moss Rally Japan...

[Morte66]

Sorry if this is old news, but I hadn't noticed it before... On rally.tv there is a new audio stream called "International feed" with no commentators, just the car sounds and pace notes plus the stage end interviews.

[TypeR]

6.4km into rally and Tanak +4 in splits :D

Difficult weekend to watch coming :D

E: next one even more.. +6.7..
Maybe Tanak on 27 spec rally2 car?

E2: Neuville even slower.. and Monte is in 2.5 months time.. how will they manage that..

[CeskyOndra]

Hyundai is funny on tarmac

[jcevc]

6.4km into rally and Tanak +4 in splits :D

Difficult weekend to watch coming :D

E: next one even more.. +6.7..
Maybe Tanak on 27 spec rally2 car?

Also Neuville looks very hesitating on the throttle...not a good start def

[CeskyOndra]

Hyundai undriveable, just no grip at all

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux on the pace.. I don't understand this at all

[becher]

Pajari looking good

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux on the pace.. I don't understand this at all

Not surprising. He has been the whole season on better pace on tarmac at least in the beginning

CER was the first tarmac event where he wasn’t fastest Hyundai

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux on the pace..

Still slow compared to the Toyota's.

[EstWRC]

Good luck to Tänak for next year if he really stays at Hyundai

[focus206]

Toyota 1-2-3-4-5
Hyundai 6-7-8
Ford M-Sport 9-10
sums up the season, at least on asphalt

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sorry if this is old news, but I hadn't noticed it before... On rally.tv there is a new audio stream called "International feed" with no commentators, just the car sounds and pace notes plus the stage end interviews.

Good to know. I've been enjoying this feature on Discovery + for a few months now, where it's called 'No Dialogue'. Pure bliss. :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Disaster for Kalle.

[focus206]

Championship over for Kalle...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak doesn't seem that unhappy despite the time loss. Maybe he really is going to Toyota...

[jcevc]

Based on the amount of sweat Adrien is doing a lot of work for such time(s)...Neuville and Tanak looks like they are only waiting to the end of season.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux on the pace.. I don't understand this at all

He is on SS3.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Big off for McErlean. Awful so early in the rally, no learning which is crucial here.

[becher]

I can't believe it. Did anybody see the mistake?

Tänak and Neuville for sure checked out already, Neuville even did a long time ago already i think.

[realtimati]

Horrible Islas Canarias flashbacks, complete deja vu for Hyundai. Rough as

[focus206]

Can't help but feel a bit disappointed and bored with this season's championship fight... Thierry not liking the car/tyres and never really in the game. Tanak doing what he can but Hyundai is just not good enough. Kalle also not liking the car/tyres, looking unmotivated and now basically out of the fight.

[jonkka]

Ogier lost time on split 5?

[jonkka]

Nah, it's split glitch.

[denkimi]

Seems like Neuville and tanak have just given up trying. Sad too see 2 world champions who can't even fight with pay drivers and rookies.

[EstWRC]

Are Tänak and Neuville driving with Hyundai Accent?

[TypeR]

Are Tänak and Neuville driving with Hyundai Accent?
2026 manus title winning car :D

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux again schooling the two world champions big time

[TypeR]

Seems like Fournaux's 5 runs on SD really helped.. very good pace with that potato on SS5

[EstWRC]

When Wheatley said they will be champions next year, did he mean wrc2?

[TypeR]

Massive time from Solberg, even faster than Munster by 3sec..
Once again shows that you have to take all out of the wrc2 to be successful in big car

[EstWRC]

The director knows something?

Showing Tanaks name but at the same time showing Toyota driving :D

[EstWRC]

Tänak again in good mood despite being nowhere

[spyros]

Good morning, my predictions are going from bad to worse........

[240RS]

Driver of the Day is, hands down, Adrien Fourmaux.

But a special mention for Sami Pajari. I feel this is probably his most accomplished drive thus far. He is comfortably within striking distance of drivers with far more experience.

[EstWRC]

Ogier is just incredible this year

Really reminds VW days

[CeskyOndra]

What has Ogier done in the split between 10 and 12 kilometres?? And then lost it again towards the end

[Rallyper]

Morning. Just woke up.
Seems a lot of drivers looking for 2026 already. WRC Formula2 or F1, no matter what.
So Ogier WDC then...
And Oliver shows good pace and where he belongs next year. In full time.

[CeskyOndra]

Morning. Just woke up.
Seems a lot of drivers looking for 2026 already. WRC Formula2 or F1, no matter what.
So Ogier WDC then...
And Oliver shows good pace and where he belongs next year. In full time.

Why you rulling out Evans? Arabia is a lottery

[Rallyper]

Why you rulling out Evans? Arabia is a lottery

I´m not. Sorry.
Really hope he gets it, but it was a combination of sarcasm and realism...

[EstWRC]

What has Ogier done in the split between 10 and 12 kilometres?? And then lost it again towards the end

The whole morning the splits have been weird at some points on every stage. Especially towards the end so I wouldn’t trust them

[deephouse]

Why you rulling out Evans? Arabia is a lottery

It seems that everyone is rulling out Evans and just rooting for Ogier, who honestly really don't need that title. I wish that Evans will take it this year, because he really deserves it.

[Rallyper]

It seems that everyone is rulling out Evans and just rooting for Ogier, who honestly really don't need that title. I wish that Evans will take it this year, because he really deserves it.

Me too wish Evans the best. However you need to realise reality against heart.

[Eli]

Ogier is just incredible this year

Really reminds VW days

Although that Polo was prettier (and had a wayy better livery) ;)

[trykmann]

It seems that everyone is rulling out Evans and just rooting for Ogier, who honestly really don't need that title. I wish that Evans will take it this year, because he really deserves it.

I'm also rooting for Evans, but we have to remember Ogier has not done 3 events this year. His speed has been far more superior. Probably with a full season he would be far more ahead and maybe the title would have been decided already.

[denkimi]

Remember we were all thinking the same things last rally. And then ogier binned it.

[Sulland]

Hoping Evans takes it this year. He deserves it!

[trykmann]

Remember we were all thinking the same things last rally. And then ogier binned it.

Statistically it is now Evans' time to bin it :D

[meh]

Does Evans deserve it or not? It leaves us with many different points of view and opinions, but the title is decided by the rules defined to collect as many points per season as needed for that.

Title for Evans would be good:
* he is one of the big-old 4 (Ogier, Tänak, Neuville, Evans) that do not have it (I consider Rovanperä a new generation guy compared to the listed ones)
* Brits have been waiting for it quite some time now, and it would be good for the sport to give some enthusiasm for them

Personally, I would like to see when a champion TAKES the title by power and dominance, not just "being reasonable". Based on that, I need to admit that Ogier deserves the title.

[doubled1978]

It seems that everyone is rulling out Evans and just rooting for Ogier, who honestly really don't need that title. I wish that Evans will take it this year, because he really deserves it.

I don’t really care who wins from a personal aspect, but I don’t want Ogier to win simply because he hasn’t done the full season, and that makes a mockery of it. Even his wife agrees apparently….It can’t become a thing, having enough points to be in the game, but not run first on the road through all the gravel rallies by missing a few early season events and then come strong at the end, no bueno.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans would be good to have as Champion, after Neuville finally doing it last year. But whether its deserved is a moot point.

Ogier has an average score of 26 pts per rally this season... Evan's 20.5.

[focus206]

I really don't know who to root for, I would have rather Thierry, Kalle or Tanak to take the title.

Evans never excited me, had the best car for so long but always came up short, "boring" driving style, always "it's okay" interviews. But I think if he wins this year's title, then he's a deserving champion, there's nothing more you could ask him to do to get the title. And it wouldn't even come from unfortunate mechanical failures from the rivals (not counting Hyundai village car).

Ogier is to admire for his speed at his age and also skipped 3 rounds (though let's remember it's not circuit racing, he got better starting position for later rounds), but his personality... I think we wouldn't hear the end of it if he wins the 9th title, but again, if he does then it's deserved, what else can you ask from him.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remember we were all thinking the same things last rally. And then ogier binned it.

To be fair, Ogier didnt really bin it... his tyre went flat with no indication before that very ordinary corner.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport @MSportLtd

Josh and Eoin given the all clear after their SS3 (16G) crash, but won’t restart this weekend.

[satnav]

There's still a lot can happen this weekend, only TZD's for Saturday and Sunday......

[Sal yet again]

As much as I'm a Brit I've never really warmed to Elfyn in the way I did to Burns and McRae, maybe its the way he comes across in stage end interviews etc. Only time I've seen real emotion and passion from him was at the end of Rally GB and his first win, he's no Breen!

Having said that for him and rallying in this country I would love him to secure the Drivers crown as may be the catalyst we need to fire up the desire to have a WRC round here again.

All I hope is that if Ogier has an issue that suddenly Toyota dont decide to introduce team orders so Taka can win at home. If that happens may just walk away!

[denkimi]

All I hope is that if Ogier has an issue that suddenly Toyota dont decide to introduce team orders so Taka can win at home. If that happens may just walk away!
As far as I know, ogier has never allowed someone else to win.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As much as I'm a Brit I've never really warmed to Elfyn in the way I did to Burns and McRae, maybe its the way he comes across in stage end interviews etc. Only time I've seen real emotion and passion from him was at the end of Rally GB and his first win, he's no Breen!

Having said that for him and rallying in this country I would love him to secure the Drivers crown as may be the catalyst we need to fire up the desire to have a WRC round here again.



It's ironic that the area closest to bringing us a UK WRC event isnt Evans home country Wales, but Scotland...

https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/bid-world-rally-championships

But I guess having a British WDC wouldn't hurt.

[Sal yet again]

As far as I know, ogier has never allowed someone else to win.

An issue that forced him to retire from the event...

[linni]

More like Daewoo Tico.

[deephouse]

Also some time ago when there were some situation when Elfyn did need help, he explicit mention that he always help Ogier, but Ogier never helped him. Ogier was then said that he is there to win not to help others. Great team mate

[spyros]

Also some time ago when there were some situation when Elfyn did need help, he explicit mention that he always help Ogier, but Ogier never helped him. Ogier was then said that he is there to win not to help others. Great team mate

Correct, Seb was never a good teamate.

[WRCStan]

Personally think Elfyn would be happier without the weight of being WDC. He's always put himself down, if that's the right word, about not being a good character for selling the sport. That's why he's a likeable bloke to me, there's nothing false even if he is diplomatic about truths in stage ends.

[giu canbera]

As much as I'm a Brit I've never really warmed to Elfyn in the way I did to Burns and McRae, maybe its the way he comes across in stage end interviews etc. Only time I've seen real emotion and passion from him was at the end of Rally GB and his first win, he's no Breen!
!

Jon Armstrong is way more likeable IMO. Will probably be in WRC 2027 when the R5s are the top class

[TypeR]

So Kalle is 2min away from top10, how fast he will get there.. I think we will see some stage wins from him

[NoBudgetWRT]

So Neuville leaking oil?

Seems something broken

[TypeR]

New day, out of service and already broken Hyundai..

[EstWRC]

Neuville finished for today for sure

[Rallyper]

Road mode.

[focus206]

Amazing quality Hyundai strikes again. Neuville already had transmission problems yesterday and the team didn't manage to do anything about it?

[TypeR]

Saving the car and engine for Monte :D

[EstWRC]

Time to put clown masks on again in the team….

[Rallyper]

Seems they are hard on the material warming up tyres. It wouldn´t be surprising when giving driveshafts so much more overload.

[TypeR]

Must be Toyota under Fourmaux's i20 body :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Crazy how Fourmaux can thrash his two illustrious team mates in the Hyundai.

[TypeR]

Said he stopped complaining and drives what he has.. Nice attitude!

Fourmaux

[Morte66]

Well, I was hoping Evans would overtake Katsuta by the end of the rally. So far, so good.

[TypeR]

Solberg 0.1s slower than Munster

[becher]

Crazy how Fourmaux can thrash his two illustrious team mates in the Hyundai.
I think it's a case of Neuville and Tänak haven given up and Fourmaux being hungry regardless of the circumstances. He's still going well though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg 0.1s slower than Munster

It's a massive shame that Solberg hasnt been in the Puma for various reasons that couldn't be solved. Who knows what he couldve done for M-Sport and himself in the Rally1 era.

[EstWRC]

All 3 Hyundais are totally different as I have understood from interviews. Different setups, differentials and etc

So pointless to compare them and seems this time Fourmaux has hit the jackpot like Tänak did in CER

[focus206]

It's probably down to the fact that this i20 has such a small setup window in which it works, that if that small window doesn't match your driving style, you're done for. Maybe Fourmaux is "lucky" the window matches his driving style, or maybe he's able to adapt better.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another great stage by Fourmaux beating all the Toyota's, never mind Tanak.

[AndersX]

In Dirtfish article they say that Fourmaux is young gun - he adopts his style to what he has. Those old guns - they want to bend the car for their style. That is why youngsters like Rovanpera, Fourmaux, Pajari, Solberg, Sesks and Mc Earlean adopt so fast. Next gen driving.

[focus206]

Tanak slower than Munster. But judging by how not grumpy he is, I'm sure he's not driving a Hyundai next year.

[1988senna]

Evans only 2 seconds behind Ogier now , what happen to Evans ? throw everything to risk?

[flat_right]

1.4 now, getting really close. I really enjoy if someone can push Ogier. Then he tends to get more nervous and make mistakes.

[Eli]

Katsuta crashed…kinda…nothing surprising there.

[Eli]

I’m sorry but with all due respect to Rally Japan, I’m glad it won’t be towards the end of the year next season, the rally itself is hard to follow, the hours are terrible, no night stages, no helicopters, if they keep it after ‘26 for the love of all things holly, please bring it back to Obohiro…and give us a different tarmac round instead….suffice to say I’d rather see Wales Rally GB instead of this (or Saudi if we’re being completely honest….)

[EstWRC]

Is Tänak on some kind of protest against Hyundai or what is this? Slower than even Munster on one stage. The car can’t be that bad

[deephouse]

Evans only 2 seconds behind Ogier now , what happen to Evans ? throw everything to risk?

Remember that he was always good in Japan round. If he will beat Ogier, he will beat him fare and square

[jonkka]

Is Tänak on some kind of protest against Hyundai or what is this? Slower than even Munster on one stage. The car can’t be that bad

Nothing to prove, nothing to gain, nothing to win. No reason to push, really.

[1988senna]

Now it's back to 4.9 seconds, I don't know if it's my own feeling, I just believe Ogier's tier strategy is unique and best of all on tarmac compare to other current drivers, That's why Evans always failed to beat Ogier in this conditions

[Eli]

The rain will come tomorrow, both will crash out and Fourmaux will take his first ever win, mark my words (now I’ve said it, it won’t happen)….

[jonkka]

I just believe Ogier's tier strategy is unique and best of all on tarmac compare to other current drivers

"tier strategy"? Do you mean tyre strategy or what?

[1988senna]

"tier strategy"? Do you mean tyre strategy or what?

yes tyre strategy , sorry for the incorrect type

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I’m sorry but with all due respect to Rally Japan, I’m glad it won’t be towards the end of the year next season, the rally itself is hard to follow, the hours are terrible, no night stages, no helicopters.

It's such a weird rally, as well as the way its covered.

Those roads in the forest with no scenery around, plus no spectators on the stages, gives it a hollow vibe. Quite a shame when the Japanese fans are so keen, lining the road sections.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is Tänak on some kind of protest against Hyundai or what is this? Slower than even Munster on one stage. The car can’t be that bad

And his teammate is just 23s off the lead while he's 2m34 back, without any mechanical issues or punctures. Extraordinary.

[focus206]

And any surprise the battle for the win could have is gone with Katsuta's mistake... again. Now it's Ogier vs Evans, again.

[Morte66]

I’m sorry but with all due respect to Rally Japan, I’m glad it won’t be towards the end of the year next season, the rally itself is hard to follow, the hours are terrible, no night stages, no helicopters, if they keep it after ‘26 for the love of all things holly, please bring it back to Obohiro…and give us a different tarmac round instead….suffice to say I’d rather see Wales Rally GB instead of this (or Saudi if we’re being completely honest….)

In most ways, I really like this rally.

I like the stages:
- they're tight and twisty and up-and-down
- they have kerbs and barriers and concrete drainage culverts, punishing mistakes (Hi Kalle)
- not so much cleaning/pollution and it balances out, so cars and drivers matter more than running order
- it's been thrilling when it rained in previous years

The downside is the practicalities of watching it. It's in the middle of the night for me (but presumably great for rally fans in Asia, who are surely entitled to their one event per year). And the footage is almost all onboards, which are constantly breaking up in the trees and mountains. [OTOH, it will always have a place in my heart as the rally where rally.tv finally added a no-commentary option.]

[meh]

Is Tänak on some kind of protest against Hyundai or what is this? Slower than even Munster on one stage. The car can’t be that bad

He is on the RECCE for the future...

I have not seen any other reason why he is there other than that he has a contract, and he is doing it for his own checks for the future. He is out of the title fight, and he does not earn manu's points.

The entire "let's wait for the official announcement" is a bit silly game on so many layers; everyone needs to invent some non-stop rubbish to answer the questions on the "next year" topic. Tänak is not the best person to hide his moods and opinions, so for some time it is a bit comical, then it gets annoying (and that is not because of Tänak, because he just can not give the answers he wants to give to end this madness).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

"We know that we are nowhere on this rally, also performance-wise. I guess this actually reflects the level we are at the moment,” Tänak said bluntly.

“I think we’ve lost the track and clearly there are questions to ask,” Tänak admitted.

https://rallyjournal.com/dejected-ott-tanak-delivers-brutally-honest-verdict-on-hyundai/

Given that he was leading this rally til the final day last year, its bizarre how the (2024) i20 has lost all its tarmac pace.

[doubled1978]

I have no idea what is going on with Tanak, but he was quicker than Neuville on Friday, but both were miles off Fourmaux.
To be fair to Fourmaux, his performance has been the best effort from a Hyundai on a ‘proper’ tarmac rally this season and he was the quicker of the 3 in Canaries asa well, albeit by a small margin.

Whatever is going on, I hope he isn’t phoning in his performance as the guys who work for the team deserve more than that.

[saco0o]

i'd still not be surprised if tanak continues with hyundai. i can remember he complaining the same way one or two years ago, no? and we thought he was heading msport or something like that?

[EstWRC]

i'd still not be surprised if tanak continues with hyundai. i can remember he complaining the same way one or two years ago, no? and we thought he was heading msport or something like that?

If you mean 2022 then he went actually to msport after that

And his attitude this week exactly reminds me of that, 2022 Japanese rally

[WRCStan]

When we go back to 'how to attract fans' lets never show them this thread. All we can talk about is micro-analysis of 'what is Tanak thinking' and whether it's appropriate chat 48 hours before we may or may not find out at a presser that may or may not actually be happening; and the difference between the 24 and 25 car, which nobody explained what the difference actually is.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

When we go back to 'how to attract fans' lets never show them this thread. All we can talk about is micro-analysis of 'what is Tanak thinking' and whether it's appropriate chat 48 hours before we may or may not find out at a presser that may or may not actually be happening; and the difference between the 24 and 25 car, which nobody explained what the difference actually is.

Without Tanak, his trouble with the car on tarmac and his possible team switch, what else is there to talk about ?

There's no-one else that creates a fraction as much discussion. He should get a cut from all the media who are constantly commenting on him too !

[becher]

When we go back to 'how to attract fans' lets never show them this thread. All we can talk about is micro-analysis of 'what is Tanak thinking' and whether it's appropriate chat 48 hours before we may or may not find out at a presser that may or may not actually be happening; and the difference between the 24 and 25 car, which nobody explained what the difference actually is.

Very true, the forum is a rally depression forum/Tänak forum.

The "25" car has different suspension geometry, the struts are no longer at such extrem angles as they used to be with the "24" car. I think WRC Wings has picture comparisons of it.

But I think it's a bit overblown to talk about the "24" or "25" car. It's just an evolution of the same basic car. Cars change through their life cycle anyway, even the Puma did.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

and the difference between the 24 and 25 car, which nobody explained what the difference actually is.

They kept a lid on the changes made by the extra jokers.

But how wrong was this Dirtfish summary?! :D

" The FIA has homologated the changes – believed to primarily focus on suspension and transmission – but this level of secrecy does suggest that Hyundai has cooked up something it feels is special. You have to assume it’s proud of its efforts to go to this effort to conceal them from us, and most pertinently Toyota."


https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundais-secrecy-over-its-updated-rally1-car/#:~:text=And%20what%20would%20he%20like,tried%20to %20push%20for%20details.&text=But%20he%20did%20offer:%20%E2%80%9CI,let's%20 see%20how%20it%20translates.%E2%80%9D

[meh]

They kept a lid on the changes made by the extra jokers.

But how wrong was this Dirtfish summary?! :D

" The FIA has homologated the changes – believed to primarily focus on suspension and transmission – but this level of secrecy does suggest that Hyundai has cooked up something it feels is special. You have to assume it’s proud of its efforts to go to this effort to conceal them from us, and most pertinently Toyota."


https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundais-secrecy-over-its-updated-rally1-car/#:~:text=And%20what%20would%20he%20like,tried%20to %20push%20for%20details.&text=But%20he%20did%20offer:%20%E2%80%9CI,let's%20 see%20how%20it%20translates.%E2%80%9D

... and ("the Tänak forum continues") from there we can again speculate that Tänak, as the one who most likely leaves the company, is not part of developing or benefiting the new parts, although it was served a bit differently to us.

[CeskyOndra]

So... Is it going to rain today?

[deephouse]

What I see the 24 and 25 cars are same, but the whole team did lost motivation probably as soon as bosses announce they will leave the sport. Don't know why I have a feeling the Hyundai will pull out from Saudi round all together as they don't have to fight for anything anymore (the mileage isn't important, because the car will break anyway)

[WRCStan]

What I see the 24 and 25 cars are same, but the whole team did lost motivation probably as soon as bosses announce they will leave the sport. Don't know why I have a feeling the Hyundai will pull out from Saudi round all together as they don't have to fight for anything anymore (the mileage isn't important, because the car will break anyway)

Costly penalty if they don't turn up.

[EstWRC]

What I see the 24 and 25 cars are same, but the whole team did lost motivation probably as soon as bosses announce they will leave the sport. Don't know why I have a feeling the Hyundai will pull out from Saudi round all together as they don't have to fight for anything anymore (the mileage isn't important, because the car will break anyway)

Lol it’s not the same. Please open your eyes and read the articles

[Eli]

I said this last year and I'll say it again until they get it in their damn heads, if they want an interesting Asia-Pacific tarmac event, they have to have night stages, it goes without saying that all tarmac rounds should have mandatory night (at the very least evening) stages, but here with the time difference and the fact that let's face it, most of their following comes from mainland Europe, they should have at least one if not 2 night time stages on Friday & Saturday... that or dark stages in 6am...also, where is that no commentary option??? couldn't find it when I airplayed it to my TV...listening to Becks & Bulls at 1am defintely encouraged me to skip 4 stages and go to sleep...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai Motorsport WRC Sporting Director Andrew Wheatley:

“Today was another positive day for us as we take another step forward in our development process. We have started to see some excellent progress from Adrien to make up 0.6 seconds to the rally leader across the day, which marks huge progress for us with the evo car. Ott has demonstrated a very professional drive as he’s managed the performance of the old specification car over some very challenging stages, and we expect him to return tomorrow with the performance we know he’s capable of."

[CeskyOndra]

Hyundai Motorsport WRC Sporting Director Andrew Wheatley:

“Today was another positive day for us as we take another step forward in our development process. We have started to see some excellent progress from Adrien to make up 0.6 seconds to the rally leader across the day, which marks huge progress for us with the evo car. Ott has demonstrated a very professional drive as he’s managed the performance of the old specification car over some very challenging stages, and we expect him to return tomorrow with the performance we know he’s capable of."

Why he sounds like Ott's staying

[deephouse]

As much as we don't like Hyundai's team running and their terrible condition in WRC, we at least need to be happy they are still here, at least for as long as someone new comes. Someone who can challenge Toyota properly. Even they need some kind of challenge which I think Hyundai can't provide anymore.

[Morte66]

where is that no commentary option

Bottom right part of the screen, next to the settings icon, there is a squiggly line like an audio waveform. Click on that and choose "international feed" for the language.

[CeskyOndra]

It's raining in Japan already. It's gonna be anyone's game.

[CeskyOndra]

Elfyn Evans will become 2025 world champion today, mark my words.

[WRCStan]

mark my words.

0/10

[Morte66]

Do not tempt fate.

[WRCStan]

Out of the three it's probably only Kalle really going for the Sunday points. Seb somewhat, Elfyn not so.

[CeskyOndra]

Out of the three it's probably only Kalle really going for the Sunday points. Seb somewhat, Elfyn not so.

Why? Both Ogier and Evans need that win. Ogier almost must win I would say, or the championship deficit will be over 20 points, which would be unecessary much

[WRCStan]

Risk and reward.

[EstWRC]

I hope nothing happens to both of them. Title decider in Saudi would be good for the whole series

[focus206]

In my opinion we won't even see Kalle going flat out, he checked out. But with wet conditions he could be naturally very fast without even pushing much, so who knows. But even if he gets maximum points today, he needs some trouble to happen to Ogier and especially Evans, to stay realistically in the fight.

[CeskyOndra]

In my opinion we won't even see Kalle going flat out, he checked out. But with wet conditions he could be naturally very fast without even pushing much, so who knows. But even if he gets maximum points today, he needs some trouble to happen to Ogier and especially Evans, to stay realistically in the fight.

There will be lot of water on the road, which will be very difficult for the front runners, I suppose.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More trouble and Neuville has retired...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G5ROc_pbIAg_Xev?format=jpg&name=small

[WRCStan]

In my opinion we won't even see Kalle going flat out, he checked out.

He's back to 7th already and scoring points for finishing as it is. Just enough not to check out of the championship.

[CeskyOndra]

Incredible. Neuville retired again

[CeskyOndra]

Wippers not working?

[focus206]

WTF... did they say why Neuville had to retire again?

[EstWRC]

Don’t panic guys. I will remind you new boss Wheatley words “we will be champions 2026”

[focus206]

Wippers not working?

Yes, they just said electrical problem, wipers not working. Hyundai village team.

[WRCStan]

Don’t panic guys. I will remind you new boss Wheatley words “we will be champions 2026”

They're signing Ogier though so...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More open areas and nice wider road... but still bad picture break up, no heli....and no fans.

[becher]

He's back to 7th already and scoring points for finishing as it is. Just enough not to check out of the championship.
He doesn't look to be fully on it now and yesterday didn't as well though.

[becher]

The wipers are the real reason for Neuvilles retirement? I thought you guys were joking.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Think I'll go to bed and just listen to the commentary.

[240RS]

Tanak appears up for the fight today. Time mid-way through the opening stage of the day is right on the money!!

[WRCStan]

He doesn't look to be fully on it now and yesterday didn't as well though.

Will take Munster's position too so just don't write him out the championship just yet.

[becher]

Will take Munster's position too so just don't write him out the championship just yet.
Well I'd really like him to go as a three time champion but....

[CeskyOndra]

How fourmaux finished the stage

[becher]

Also what an impact for Fourmaux!

[WRCStan]

Yeah we can see Fourmaux's 'had a moment' there.

[jonkka]

Pretty wild looking car, no door and panels off.

[EstWRC]

This is DSQ for Fourmaux

[NoBudgetWRT]

That's it for Fourmaux

[EstWRC]

Stage win for Tänak. Canary remains the only
Round where he didn’t get a stage win

[flat_right]

Crazy stage. Ogier also was in full work mode

[CeskyOndra]

Horrible final part of the stage by Evans.

[jonkka]

Horrible final part of the stage by Evans.

Yeah, I was expecting him to be quite close to Ogier or even taking the lead. But Fourmax's debris spoiled that...

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux form hero to zero like often with him

He has to iron out these mistakes for next year finally

[paddocknews]

❌ Adrien Fourmaux and Alex Coria have been forced to retire, with the damage sustained in an off on Sunday's first stage causing too much damage to safely continue.

[focus206]

Shame for Adrien. He was pushing 110% the whole rally, as he said.

[WRCStan]

What did Tanak say? Did he say Hankook or the wet tyre not good enough for rally cars?

[jonkka]

If it finishes like this, it'll be Pajari's first podium finish.

[flat_right]

What did Tanak say? Did he say Hankook or the wet tyre not good enough for rally cars?

On previous he said that Hankook wet tire is quite ok but now he hit something that with recce tire was ok but not with rally tire. Nothing bad, just explaining the situation.

[CeskyOndra]

Entertaining SS once again in Japan

[NoBudgetWRT]

Absoulte dog shit coverage

[jonkka]

Not that it matters any more but Hyundai won't score single point with both Neuville and Fourmaux out and Tanak not nominated.

[TypeR]

Hahaa..

Andrew ,,everything is fantastic'' Wheatley :D
Good PR talk tho.. :D


Akmost as funny as Latvala in Finland at last year's finish, when he finished 2nd in wrc2, but Kalle just crashed out from 1st and Evans earlier..

[Eli]

I think this is the first rally in I don’t know how long I haven’t bothered staying up for…if it’s the fact we have no night stages, terrible coverage or the fact it’s a Toyota win whoever crashes….although that mirrors more Hyundai season from hell than anything else…I really do hope they sort their sh*t together for ‘26 or it’s more than likely we won’t see them for ‘27….oh well, at least Lancia (& with some luck Dacia?) will be there for ‘27…as for the rally itself…I think enough has been said around here….imho, more than enough tarmac rounds to replace this one….

[EstWRC]

#8
flag
Tänak Ott
Järveoja Martin
"It is been tough weekend for us. Today morning we changed rear differential and the car came back to normal. Frustrating event for us."

[Eli]

#8
flag
Tänak Ott
Järveoja Martin
"It is been tough weekend for us. Today morning we changed rear differential and the car came back to normal. Frustrating event for us."

Sums up his season really…

[EstWRC]

Sums up his season really…

I don’t know, how come they didn’t notice the previous days that there is something wrong with it?

It’s a miracle that Tänak was in the title fight as long as he was with this car this season and that he is pretty equal with stage wins also with Kalle and Ogier

[Dontcut]

This Neuville & Hyundai cameo in this Japan Rally must go down as Rally heritage. I mean how is this possible on that level. From the first day on these R1 cars they have this windscreen misting up problem and they still havent resolved it!?

On the other note, Evans showed real composure this rally and deserves WDC

[COD]

❌ Adrien Fourmaux and Alex Coria have been forced to retire, with the damage sustained in an off on Sunday's first stage causing too much damage to safely continue.

Also no timecard. Why do they keep the timecard on the door where it can fly away even after a small roll? I remember having a pocket in my overall just for timecard for it not get lost in the event of a roll etc.

[Humber]

provisional points
Elfyn - 272
Seb -269
Kalle - 248
Ott - 213

[Eli]

so basically a 2020/2021 fight between Evans & Ogier only this time on the gravel.

[Rallyper]

Coming in to this forum I find a remarkable low-voiced disinterest of the outcome. Like me I suppose almost every fan in Europe was sleeping during the final day and PS.
Underperforming teams and drivers from here and there made Rally Japan a sleeper...
Let´s hope there be interesting news tomorrow from Toyota.

[Morte66]

provisional points
Elfyn - 272
Seb -269
Kalle - 248
Ott - 213

Well, I got what I wanted at the start of the year: Evans beat Neuville and Fourmaux over the season.

People have said Saudi will be a cleaning rally, which I would say makes Ogier the favourite in WDC, but I live in hope.

[Morte66]

Coming in to this forum I find a remarkable low-voiced disinterest of the outcome.

I assure you, I was very interested in the outcome. Didn't quite get what I hoped for, but not bad...

[Rallyper]

I assure you, I was very interested in the outcome. Didn't quite get what I hoped for, but not bad...

I mean the aftermath of the rally seems not concern many.

[denkimi]

I mean the aftermath of the rally seems not concern many.
Except Fourmaux crashing, there wasn't much to be exited about.

[focus206]

As expected, Kalle nowhere near taking Sunday points away from Ogier and Evans. Wasn't even able to catch Munster. Time to go racing in circuits...

[linni]

Breaking news! Ott just announced that he will retire as a full part driver.

[becher]

As expected, Kalle nowhere near taking Sunday points away from Ogier and Evans. Wasn't even able to catch Munster. Time to go racing in circuits...
This really was crazy three of the four world champions checked out.

[Morte66]

I mean the aftermath of the rally seems not concern many.

I think they're all busy in the silly season thread. And maybe the ones who were really excited and stayed up to watch are getting some sleep. :)

[Morte66]

When Fourmaux arrived at the finish, his car looked reasonably OK, and then the cameraman walked around to the other side of it, and... ...oh my.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I mean the aftermath of the rally seems not concern many.

I listen to it all except the two SSS stages. An amazing battle by the Top 2 in the rain.

Ogier pipped Evans here to take the Championship down to Saudi Arabia. What else is there to say ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

When Fourmaux arrived at the finish, his car looked reasonably OK, and then the cameraman walked around to the other side of it, and... ...oh my.

You could already see Coria's door wasnt there from the onboard...

[WRCStan]

Breaking news! Ott just announced that he will retire as a full part driver.

Let's hope Hyundai can continue with a full part car.

[deephouse]

So the title goes down to Saudi round. I though Evans' have the last chance of his career for the title this year, but now with Ott retiring I think that he will have many more.

[denkimi]

So the title goes down to Saudi round. I though Evans' have the last chance of his career for the title this year, but now with Ott retiring I think that he will have many more.
unless ogier decides to do a few more years. or solberg adapts fast.