Most recent winner · Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 (2026)
First held
2004
Surface
Mountain asphalt roads
Most recent winner
Elfyn Evans Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 (2026)
Toyota’s home eventNarrow twisting asphaltHome enthusiasm
About the rally
Rally Japan first entered the WRC in 2004 and, following its 2022 return, uses mountain asphalt roads in Aichi and Gifu. The 2026 base was Toyota City, with 20 stages planned; 302.82 kilometres refers to a published planned version.
The forest roads are narrow and twisting, and road-position effects vary with conditions. On Friday in 2026, Evans used an early position on Isegami’s Tunnel to establish an advantage; starting early on asphalt is not necessarily a disadvantage.
The 2026 event moved from November to late May, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius at times. Evans won Japan for the third time, followed by Ogier, Pajari and Katsuta as Toyota took the top four.
Rally history
WRC entry in 2004: The event began on Hokkaido gravel, with “Rally Japan” appearing on the world championship calendar for the first time.
Return in 2022: After years away, the WRC returned to Japan and moved to the Aichi–Gifu mountains, with asphalt stages close to Toyota’s headquarters.
Toyota’s home event: After its return, Rally Japan quickly became Toyota GAZOO Racing’s annual celebration, with home fans’ enthusiasm impressing every team.
Evans’ third title here in 2026: The Welshman became the event’s first three-time winner as Toyota finished in all four top overall positions at home.
Rally characteristics
Narrow asphalt: Twisting forest mountain roads leave little margin for line choice; braking points, linked steering inputs and acceleration on exit jointly determine time.
Road-position effects: The advantage of a road position depends on that day’s conditions. In 2026, Evans used an early start on Isegami’s Tunnel to establish an initial lead.
Home pressure and enthusiasm: Katsuta’s home event carries national expectations, while spectator organisation and order along the stages showcase Japanese fan culture.
Early-summer climate: Humidity, heat and occasional rain in late May add variables to tyre strategy.
2026 WRC Rally Japan · Data review
2026-5-31, Elfyn Evans recorded 3h 17m 08.0s to win Rally Japan, finishing 12.8 seconds ahead of Ogier. It was his third Japanese victory in four years, his 13th WRC win and his 50th podium. Toyota occupied the top four at home.
Overall results · Top three
Position
Driver
Car
Total time / gap to winner
1
Elfyn Evans
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
3:17:08.0
2
Sébastien Ogier
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
+12.8 s
3
Sami Pajari
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
+51.4 s
Event highlights
Building an advantage on Friday: Evans used an early road position to gain an initial advantage on the Isegami’s Tunnel stage, then resisted his teammates’ pursuit. The event planned 20 stages across the weekend; an early road position helped him build his lead on this Friday.
Four Toyotas ahead: Ogier finished second, Pajari third at 51.4 seconds behind the winner and Katsuta fourth at 1m 03.5s. Pajari had five podiums in the last six rounds. Katsuta recovered after Friday tyre damage and won a stage on Sunday.
Early summer and mountain asphalt: The 2026 event moved from November to late May, with temperatures at times above 30 degrees Celsius. Narrow, twisting forest roads in Aichi and Gifu placed demands on lines, tyres and temperature management different from autumn. Solberg damaged his rear suspension on Saturday, then won Super Sunday and the Power Stage after restarting.
Event facts at a glance
Item
Data
Location
Toyota City (Aichi Prefecture), Japan
2026 planned stages
20 stages (2026)
2026 planned stage distance
302.82 km
Surface type
Mountain asphalt roads
First held
2004
Most recent winner
Elfyn Evans (Toyota, 2026)
2026 event record
Evans wins Japan for the third time
Also known as
Toyota GAZOO Racing’s home event
Rally Japan first entered the WRC on Hokkaido’s gravel roads in 2004, returning on Aichi and Gifu asphalt in 2022. The page’s 302.82 kilometres refers to a published 2026 planned version. Total route distances differ across event documents and must not be used as the final actual timed distance.
Information updated: 2026-10-3
Rally data
Stages20 (planned)
Total stage distance302.82 km (planned)
SurfaceMountain asphalt roads
Most recent winnerElfyn EvansToyota GR Yaris Rally1 (2026)
