There will be challenges aplenty as, unlike previous editions which were held on the northern island of Hokkaido, this week’s all-new asphalt event is based in Toyota City, on the country’s main island of Honshu.
Crews face 19 demanding special stages in the mountain regions of Aichi and Gifu, boasting a population of approximately nine million people and about three hours’ drive from capital city Tokyo.
For Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s a dream come true.
The Japanese marque’s global headquarters sit just a stone’s throw away from the service park. With the drivers’, co-drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles already in the bag, the team is hoping to celebrate its global success with a strong showing in front of local crowds.
Taking the spotlight will no doubt be Takamoto Katsuta, who drives for Toyota’s Next Generation squad. The 29-year-old was born and raised in Nagoya and starts this 13th round in search of his maiden WRC victory.
“Of course I know this will be a big rally,” Katsuta said. “There will be a lot of interest from the people, from the fans and for the team.
“I know it will be quite a different rally with different kinds of roads from what we have seen. But I will do my best and, of course, I’m going to enjoy Japanese stages!”
Joining Katsuta in a trio of identical GR Yaris cars are drivers’ champion Kalle Rovanperä along with Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier, who has new co-driver Vincent Landais alongside.
Ott Tänak marks his final start for Hyundai Motorsport after confirming his departure from the i20 N team at the end of the season.
A solid result would ensure the Estonian driver bows out with second in the championship, although team-mate Thierry Neuville - third in the points - will be doing all he can to try and overturn the 21-point deficit. Part-time pilot Dani Sordo drives the team’s third car on what will be his fifth outing of the season.
M-Sport Ford field a two-strong Puma line-up headed by Irishman Craig Breen, who debuts alongside new co-driver James Fulton. Gus Greensmith steers a similar car.
It’s also a big week in WRC2, the sport’s premier support category. Emil Lindholm, Kajetan Kajetanowicz and the absent Andreas Mikkelsen each stand a chance of being crowned champion depending on how the action unfolds.
The rally starts on Thursday evening with a super special stage in Kuragaike Park and finishes on Sunday afternoon after 19 stages totalling 283.27km.
- Full coverage from FORUM8 Rally Japan will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.