WRC
New tests headline 2026 FORUM8 Rally Japan route
Fresh asphalt challenges and a new super special stage will shape this year's edition of FORUM8 Rally Japan when the FIA World Rally Championship returns to Aichi and Gifu from 28 – 31 May.
Round seven of the 2026 season sticks to its proven central hub at Toyota Stadium, where the service park will once again be based, with event headquarters at Sky Hall Toyota. But beyond the familiar setting, crews face a revised itinerary featuring new stages designed to sharpen the fight on Japan’s unforgiving asphalt.
The rally begins on Thursday with the traditional shakedown at Kuragaike Park near Toyota City, offering the first competitive kilometres ahead of the ceremonial start later that evening.
Friday’s opening leg introduces the brand-new Asuke test, carved through the narrow, technical roads of Toyota City. It is joined by the ever-demanding Isegami’s Tunnel stage - a fan favourite lined with concrete walls and rhythm changes - before the Inabu/Shitara stage loops crews across Toyota City and neighbouring Shitara Town.
Saturday broadens the geographical footprint. Obara opens the day before the rally ventures into Gifu Prefecture for Ena and the Mt. Kasagi stage, which spans Ena and Nakatsugawa cities. The headline addition comes later with the debut of the Fujioka Super Special Stage, a spectator-focused blast set to bring Saturday’s action back into Toyota City in front of packed grandstands.
Sunday’s deciding leg features Nukata in Okazaki City before Kuragaike Park returns - this time in reverse configuration - adding a fresh twist to the familiar layout. The rally concludes at Lake Mikawako, which hosts the Wolf Power Stage.
