Sebastien Ogier produced a masterful drive to win the FORUM8 Rally Japan on Sunday, reigniting the battle for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship title ahead of the season finale later this month in Saudi Arabia.
The eight-time world champion held off Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate and current points leader Elfyn Evans in a rain-soaked final leg, claiming victory by 11.6 seconds. The result narrows the title gap to just three points, setting up a thrilling three-way showdown with Evans and fellow Toyota driver Kalle Rovanperä.
Ogier’s composed performance came after Evans briefly threatened a comeback, cutting the deficit to 0.8 seconds in the opening Nukata stage. However, Ogier regained control in the following Lake Mikawako test and never looked back.
Rovanperä, who finished sixth after battling suspension damage sustained on Friday, now sits 24 points behind Evans, keeping his championship hopes alive but slim. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux, who started the day in third, crashed into trees and retired after his i20 N Rally1 sustained heavy damage.
His exit opened the door for Finland’s Sami Pajari to secure his first-ever WRC podium, while M-Sport Ford’s Gregoire Munster matched his career-best finish in fifth.
Ogier’s victory ,his third of the season ensures that the championship battle will go down to the wire at the final round in Saudi Arabia from November 26 to 29.