[WRC] FORUM8 Rally Japan 2025

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Originally Posted by jonkka

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

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yes tyre strategy , sorry for the incorrect type

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by 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

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

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

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Originally Posted by 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….)

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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.]