Elfyn Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin have triumphed at the 2026 FORUM8 Rally Japan, delivering a dominant performance in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid. The Welsh duo navigated the challenging 20-stage asphalt event with masterful precision, crossing the finish line with an impressive final time of 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 8.0 seconds. This victory marks Evans’ second consecutive win on Japanese soil, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the World Rally Championship.
The final day of Rally Japan saw Evans, the reigning world championship leader, start with a comfortable 17.8-second cushion over his Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT teammate, eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier. This lead was largely established after Swedish sensation Oliver Solberg dramatically crashed out on Saturday, ending his promising challenge. The incident underscored the unforgiving nature of Japan’s narrow, winding roads and the high stakes of the competition.
Toyota’s home event proved to be a resounding success, with the Japanese manufacturer securing a remarkable clean sweep of the top four positions. Sami Pajari claimed a well-deserved third place, showcasing his consistent performance throughout the rally. Local hero Takamoto Katsuta thrilled the home crowd by holding onto fourth place, a testament to his growing prowess on the world stage.
