Toyota eyes home success at FORUM8 Rally Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing heads to its home event, FORUM8 Rally Japan, for the seventh round of the 2026 World Rally Championship. Now held in late May, the asphalt rally moves from its traditional November date, promising warmer weather for the 20 technical stages spread across Aichi and Gifu.

Takamoto Katsuta enters the weekend second in the drivers’ standings and eager for a breakthrough win in front of his local fans. While Katsuta has shown impressive pace in previous years, he faces stiff competition from his teammate, championship leader Elfyn Evans. Evans, a two-time winner of the event, looks to extend his lead and potentially reach his 50th career WRC podium.

The field remains highly competitive, with defending rally winner Sébastien Ogier and recent Portugal victor Thierry Neuville both vying for the top spot. Hyundai Motorsport looks to capitalize on its recent momentum, while M-Sport Ford entries Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong focus on navigating the narrow, unforgiving stages. The event concludes on Sunday with the Wolf Power Stage at Lake Mikawako.