Based in the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, with service in Toyota City, the event trades traditional flowing asphalt for something much more demanding. Stages are narrow and twisty, often lined by barriers, drop-offs or dense trees. It’s a rally of millimetres, where the difference between commitment and catastrophe is razor-thin.
Since its WRC return in 2022, Japan has reasserted itself as a unique and punishing test – a place where championship campaigns can rise or unravel in the blink of an eye.
01
Key Facts
DATE
28 - 31 MAY 2026
Service Park
Toyota City
Entry list
TBC
Stages
TBC
Surface
Tarmac
Itinerary
TBC
Map
TBC
Website
Tickets
Info & Order at
Hashtag
#RallyJapan
Watch the rally
02
About the Rally
Based in the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, with service in Toyota City, the event trades traditional flowing asphalt for something much more demanding. Stages are narrow and twisty, often lined by barriers, drop-offs or dense trees. It’s a rally of millimetres, where the difference between commitment and catastrophe is razor-thin.
Since its WRC return in 2022, Japan has reasserted itself as a unique and punishing test – a place where championship campaigns can rise or unravel in the blink of an eye.
03
The Challenge
WRC FORUM8 Rally Japan is about precision, patience, and managing pressure. The roads wind through mountainous terrain with very few straights – just corner after corner, with constantly changing grip and weather conditions.
There’s little margin for correction. Get your line wrong, and you’ll either clip a barrier or slide off into the forest. Punctures are common from sharp cuts, and the narrow profile makes recovering from an error incredibly difficult.
It’s a rally where every second counts – and where a clean run can be more valuable than outright pace.
04
Did you know?
- Rally Japan originally ran as a gravel event from 2004 to 2010 before returning to the WRC calendar in 2022 as a pure asphalt challenge.
- The rally is based in Toyota City – the home of WRC manufacturer team Toyota GAZOO Racing.
- Japan’s mountain asphalt is among the narrowest and most technical of any WRC event.
- Fan enthusiasm is huge – with sold-out stages, televised specials, and widespread national coverage.
- In 2024, Ott Tänak crashed on the final morning - handing the drivers' title to his team-mate Thierry Neuville.
05
Follow the Rally
Every stage is live and on demand at Rally.TV – including all onboard cameras and expert analysis.
