The final showdown of the 2024 World Rally Championship season kicked off with a gripping shakedown stage at Rally Japan, where Ott Tänak delivered a commanding performance to set the fastest time. On the slippery Kuragaike Park stage, Tänak edged out rivals in treacherous conditions, keeping the pressure firmly on Thierry Neuville in the fight for the drivers’ championship.
“Tänak Shines, Neuville Holds the Advantage”
Despite the challenging surface, Tänak showed precision and aggression, clocking the quickest time on his second run and securing the top spot by 0.4 seconds over M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux. Meanwhile, Neuville—who only needs six points this weekend to secure his maiden WRC title—started strong but faded to sixth in the session.
“We have our targets clear,” Neuville said. “As a team, we want both championships, so it’s about balancing the push with managing the gaps.”
Tänak, the only driver still capable of denying Neuville the title, remains focused on maximizing points for Hyundai, who lead Toyota by 15 points in the manufacturers’ championship.
“It’s going to be a big attack weekend,” Tänak declared. “We’re defending hard, and Toyota will be pushing just as much. Let’s see how it plays out.”
“Toyota in the Hunt, Ogier Leads the Charge”
Toyota’s Sébastien Ogier finished third fastest, showing determination to keep the manufacturers’ championship within reach. With the team’s home event providing added motivation, Ogier is eyeing a strong finish to overturn Hyundai’s lead.
“We have to deliver a very strong rally for the team,” Ogier said. “There’s still a chance for the manufacturers’ title, and that’s what drives us this weekend.”
“M-Sport Impresses, Katsuta Stands Strong for Toyota”
M-Sport’s Rally1 entries delivered a surprise surge, with Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster making significant gains during their three runs. Fourmaux secured second overall, while Munster overcame early handbrake issues to finish fifth, just behind Toyota’s home favorite Takamoto Katsuta.
Katsuta’s steady fourth-place performance underscores his critical role in Toyota’s bid for the team title. Meanwhile, Elfyn Evans struggled with grip issues and muddy conditions, ending eighth among Rally1 cars.
“Chris Ingram Dominates WRC2”
In the WRC2 category, Chris Ingram stole the spotlight. Fresh off his British Rally Championship victory, Ingram clocked the fastest time in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, finishing a remarkable sixth overall, level with Neuville’s Rally1 Hyundai.
“It’s been a great start for us,” Ingram said. “The car feels fantastic, and we’re pushing hard.”
Behind him, Hiroki Arai, Heikki Kovalainen, and Nikolay Gryazin rounded out the top WRC2 times, with Gryazin’s Citroën featuring a striking Initial D-inspired livery.
“Pajari’s WRC2 Title Challenge Off to a Slow Start”
Championship contender Sami Pajari had a quieter session, finishing eighth in WRC2 after a single timed run. Pajari needs a first or second-place finish this weekend to claim the title but remains focused.
“It’s never over until it’s over,” Pajari said. “We’ll stick to our plan and see what happens.”
“Slippery Start Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Finale”
The Kuragaike Park shakedown proved a fitting prelude to the drama expected at Rally Japan. With Neuville and Tänak battling for the drivers’ title and Hyundai and Toyota locked in a tight manufacturers’ race, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the action shifts to the competitive stages, fans can expect high-stakes battles, unpredictable conditions, and the crowning of champions in the 2024 WRC season finale. Fasten your seatbelts—Rally Japan is set to deliver a spectacular conclusion.
