Ogier eyes redemption at FORUM8 Rally Japan

Since winning Secto Rally Finland in August, the Frenchman has gone off the road in Greece, Chile and last time out in Central European Rally. He’s hoping to turn that slump around and land his first Japan win since 2010.

The eight-time world champion admits he’s excited about going to the home event for his Toyota GAZOO Racing team.

“It’s always exciting to go to Rally Japan,” said Ogier, “and especially this year given we are still in a fight to try and secure the manufacturers’ title.”

Toyota arrives 15 points down on rival squad Hyundai, meaning it will take a big performance from Ogier and his team-mates Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta in Aichi.

Ogier added: “We know that we are not in the ideal position and we need a close-to-perfect weekend for the team, but it’s definitely not out of reach. Our performance recently has been good and, on my side, we want to turn around our fortunes and transform that speed into a good result.

“The stages in the forests in Japan can be very difficult and conditions are always a big question mark, especially as the event takes place one week later this year. Of course, as Toyota drivers we always feel such strong support which is very nice and we will try to bring home the result that all the fans are hoping for.”