Evans commands opening loop at Rally Japan

Elfyn Evans heads into the midday service at Rally Japan with a firm grip on the lead following a strong recovery after the morning's opening stage. Despite an initial fourth-place effort on the new Asuke test, the Toyota driver maximized his performance on the Isegami’s Tunnel and Inabu / Shitara stages to overhaul his competitors. Overnight rain resulted in unpredictable damp conditions under the tree canopy, forcing drivers to navigate difficult grip levels throughout the loop.

Oliver Solberg, who claimed the initial stage victory, currently holds second place despite a time loss caused by deer on the track during the third stage. Defending winner Sébastien Ogier sits in third, struggling slightly with a less favorable road position that saw him hampered by mud and gravel pulled onto the surface. Ogier remains within striking distance, trailing the leader by 18.2 seconds.

Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville rounds out the top four, continuing to grapple with understeer in his i20 N. Meanwhile, local favorite Takamoto Katsuta faces a challenging event after suffering a puncture on the opening stage and an off-track excursion during the third test. Rally action is set to resume with a repeat of the morning's three-stage loop.