The future of one of the World Rally Championship’s most beloved flyaway rounds has been secured. Rally Japan will continue to host a WRC event until at least 2028, following a new agreement signed with WRC Promoter.
The new three-year contract will begin in 2026, ensuring the popular asphalt rally remains based in Toyota City, which has been its home since 2022. The announcement was made at the Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival at Everland Speedway in Yong-in, South Korea, bringing clarity and excitement to fans ahead of Rally Japan’s upcoming 2024 edition.
A rich history and resurgence amid challenges
Rally Japan first joined the World Rally Championship calendar in 2004 as a gravel event held in the Tokachi region. The rally later moved to Hokkaido, hosting WRC rounds in 2008 and 2010, before the event disappeared from the global stage for a decade.
The highly anticipated return of Rally Japan in 2020 marked a shift from gravel to asphalt stages around Toyota City and Nagoya. However, the resurgence was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 editions. Finally, in 2022, Rally Japan made its long-awaited return and has since become the WRC’s season finale—a role that has earned it a special place among teams and fans alike.
The demanding asphalt stages in the picturesque Nagoya region, surrounded by scenic mountains, lakes, and iconic Shinto shrine gates, have provided a fitting backdrop to the championship’s conclusion. This year’s edition, set to take place next month, will once again decide both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles.
Looking ahead: New challenges, new roles
While Rally Japan will retain its spot on the WRC calendar, it will relinquish its season finale status in 2025. That honour will go to the newly introduced Rally Saudi Arabia, which recently signed a 10-year agreement with the WRC Promoter, beginning next year.
Despite the change in schedule, Rally Japan’s renewed presence until 2028 marks a major milestone for the sport in Asia. Toyota City has embraced the event as part of its identity, providing a centralised service park that creates a unique fan experience right in the heart of the city.
Leaders speak on Rally Japan’s future
Toyota City’s mayor, Toshihiko Ota, expressed excitement over the long-term deal:
“I am thrilled that the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) has decided to continue to hold a Japan round for the 2026-2028 seasons.Rally Japan has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas for its backdrop of iconic Japanese scenery that includes beautiful mountains, lakes, and Shinto shrine gates. We hope to use this acclaim to foster a strong rally culture and expand the fan base at home and abroad. We look forward to delivering excitement and thrills to fans through intense competition between the world’s top drivers.”
WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel also spoke highly of Toyota City’s commitment to the championship:
“Toyota City has been incredibly welcoming to the WRC since we returned to Japan. The centralised service park results in an amazing fan experience in the heart of the city.We have an excellent partner in Toyota City that shares our values in sustainability and clearly sees the benefit that we bring to the city by extending our agreement there.”
A bright future for Rally Japan
As Rally Japan gears up for its 2024 edition, anticipation is running high. While the event will soon pass on its role as the WRC season finale, the multi-year deal ensures that the vibrant rally culture in Japan will continue to grow, captivating fans both locally and internationally.
With Rally Japan’s extension through 2028, the World Rally Championship solidifies its presence in Asia, maintaining the event’s rich heritage and adding new chapters to its story. The future promises more exhilarating action on Japan’s challenging asphalt stages—where the world’s best drivers will battle for victory and glory in the heart of Toyota City.