[WRC] FORUM8 Rally Japan 2025

**1988senna** · Today, 06:58

Originally Posted by jonkka

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

yes tyre strategy , sorry for the incorrect type

**Fast Eddie WRC** · Today, 09:15

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.

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** · Today, 09:20

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

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

**focus206** · Today, 09:47

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** · Today, 11:02

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….)

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** · Today, 12:35

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

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** · Today, 13:17

"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-ot...ct-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** · Today, 13:23

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** · Today, 13:45

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** · Today, 13:47

Originally Posted by 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?

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