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Ogier Wins Rain-Hit Rally Japan, Cuts Evans' Lead to Three Ahead of Saudi Decider

A Toyota home 1-2-3 in heavy rain sets up a WRC title decider on Saudi gravel.

Overview

  • Sébastien Ogier beat Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans by 11.6 seconds after a soaked final leg to keep his ninth title bid alive.
  • Provisional standings show Evans on 272 points, Ogier 269 and Kalle Rovanperä 248 heading to Jeddah.
  • Toyota swept the podium with Sami Pajari taking his first top-flight podium in third place at the manufacturer’s home rally.
  • Persistent rain created slippery stages that caught out rivals, including Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux who retired after hitting trees.
  • Rovanperä damaged suspension on Friday after clipping a barrier, recovered to sixth, and remains mathematically in contention for the season finale on 26–29 November.