Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ogier Wins Rain-Lashed Rally Japan, Slashes Evans’ WRC Lead to Three Before Saudi Showdown

Maximum Sunday points in heavy rain cut Elfyn Evans’s cushion to three heading into the Saudi Arabia decider.

Overview

  • Sébastien Ogier beat Elfyn Evans by 11.6 seconds after a wet final day, taking three stage wins and the maximum Sunday bonus.
  • Evans finished second and retains the championship lead, with the title to be settled at Rally Saudi Arabia later this month.
  • Kalle Rovanperä recovered to sixth and sits 24 points behind Evans, keeping only a mathematical chance of the crown.
  • Sami Pajari claimed his first Rally1 podium in third, completing a home event podium lockout for Toyota.
  • Hyundai’s day unraveled as Adrien Fourmaux retired after a crash that tore off a door and Thierry Neuville withdrew before the first stage with a windscreen wiper fault.