Apologetic Ogier grateful to TGR team-mates

The Frenchman crashed out of the lead fight at last week’s Central European Rally in a shunt which he knows cost his team valuable points. The eight-time world champion was quick to apologise to the whole Japanese team – and similarly speedy to express his gratitude to Evans and Katsuta who combined to outscore makes’ race rival Hyundai.

“It was not my weekend again,” said Ogier. “I am really sorry for the team – I tried to do what I could but it didn’t go our way. The drivers’ championship was gone, but thanks to Elfyn and Taka we still have a chance in the championship at [FORUM8] Rally Japan and we will try our best again there.

“I feel very disappointed, especially for the team because it could have been a strong weekend for us. It's been three rallies in a row where we clearly have the speed but not the result at the end.

“Now we look to the last round and the home event for the team in Japan. We have good memories from a [one-two-three] result there last year.”

As it did in CER, Toyota will field point-scoring cars for Ogier and Katsuta in Toyota City next month.