The 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season reaches its thrilling climax this weekend at the FORUM8 Rally Japan (November 21-24). The highly anticipated finale sees two manufacturers—Hyundai and Toyota—and two star crews, Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe and Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja, lock horns for the ultimate prize in rallying.
All eyes on the Drivers’ Championship
Thierry Neuville heads into Japan with a commanding 25-point lead over Ott Tänak. The Belgian stands on the brink of history, needing just six points to become Belgium’s first WRC Drivers’ Champion. This would also mark Hyundai’s maiden Drivers’ title, a milestone for the team that has consistently challenged at the top tier without clinching the coveted crown.
However, Tänak, driving for Hyundai’s main rival, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, remains a formidable challenger. The Estonian’s recent win at the Central European Rally keeps him in contention, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle on the Japanese Tarmac.
Manufacturers’ Championship: Too close to call
While the Drivers’ title tilts in Neuville’s favour, the Manufacturers’ Championship is a nail-biter. Hyundai leads Toyota by just 15 points, meaning the Japanese team could snatch victory on home soil if Hyundai falters. Toyota’s lineup, led by last year’s Rally Japan winner Elfyn Evans and eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, is primed for a strong showing. Adding to their advantage is local hero Takamoto Katsuta, whose familiarity with the terrain could prove pivotal.
The route: A test of precision and endurance
The rally is based in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and covers 21 stages with a competitive distance of 302.59 kilometres. Crews will navigate a mix of twisty, narrow mountain roads, rapid straights, and unpredictable weather, demanding precision and adaptability.
New stages, including Shinshiro and Mt. Kasagi, will add fresh challenges. Shinshiro’s high-speed sections and tight, technical middle stretch, alongside Mt. Kasagi’s winding mountain roads, promise an exhilarating spectacle.
Tyre strategy will be crucial, with Pirelli supplying both hard and soft P Zero RA compounds and Cinturato RWB tyres for potential rain. This marks the final WRC event under Pirelli’s tenure as the official tyre supplier, adding a layer of significance to tyre performance this weekend.
Supporting categories: High stakes in WRC2 and beyond
In the WRC2 category, Sami Pajari has a golden opportunity to secure the title with a second-place finish. However, he faces stiff competition from Nikolay Gryazin and a roster of formidable rivals, including three-time European champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz and former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen.
Meanwhile, the WRC Masters’ Cup and WRC3 categories bring their own share of excitement. Rally legend Didier Auriol, returning to WRC action for the first time since 2005, will compete in the Masters’ Cup at age 66, alongside veteran co-driver Denis Giraudet.
A spectacular season finale awaits
The weekend promises high drama as the WRC bids farewell to the 2024 season with a showdown in Japan. From the battle for the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles to the intense competition in the supporting categories, the **FORUM8 Rally Japan** guarantees a spectacle for rally fans around the globe.
Stay tuned to HHRally.com for updates, in-depth analysis, and insights from the heart of the action.