Neuville’s championship was secured immediately during Sunday morning’s first special stage when his only rival, teammate Ott Tänak, crashed heavily.
At this point, Neuville was already at the finish area, and a stunning moment was captured on TV. Neuville and his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe, received news of Tänak’s crash and rushed to embrace each other.
The world title is the first of Neuville’s career. Often referred to as the “eternal runner-up,” the 36-year-old Belgian will never have to hear that label again.
The gap between Neuville and Tänak before the rally was 25 points, meaning the Estonian was already in a challenging position heading into Rally Japan. Now, with Tänak scoring no points this weekend, Neuville’s championship is confirmed.
In the day’s first special stage, Hyundai’s Andreas Mikkelsen posted the fastest time. He drove the stage blind but managed an impressive performance. However, Mikkelsen might run into trouble, as coolant was continuously leaking onto his windscreen. If the issue indeed stems from the radiator, his rally could end prematurely.
Tänak’s crash is a major blow to Hyundai in the manufacturers’ championship battle. The team has lost a significant amount of crucial points, boosting Toyota’s chances considerably.
Following Tänak’s retirement, Toyota’s Elfyn Evans has taken the rally lead. He now holds a lead of over a minute and a half ahead of his teammate, Sébastien Ogier. Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux remains in third place, with Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta in fourth.
Rally Japan standings after SS17/21:
| POS | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | 2.52.27.9 |
| 2. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | +1.39.9 |
| 3. | Adrien Fourmaux | Ford | +1.49.2 |
| 4. | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota | +1.58.9 |
| 5. | Gregoire Munster | Ford | +2.44.5 |
| 6. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | +7.06.2 |
Super Sunday Standings:
| Sijoitus | Kuljettaja | Talli | Aika |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Andreas Mikkelsen | Hyundai | 11.57.5 |
| 2. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | +4.4 |
| 3. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | +4.9 |
| 4. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | +8.4 |
| 5. | Adrien Fourmaux | Ford | +12.5 |
| 6. | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota | +16.1 |
| 7. | Gregoire Munster | Ford | +19.8 |
Rally Japan itinerary (CET):
Thursday 21 November
01.01 Shakedown: Kuragaike Park (2.75 km)
11.05 SS1: Toyota Stadium SSS 1 (2.15 km)
Friday, 22 November
23:44 SS2: Isegami's Tunnel 1 (23.67 km)
00:44 SS3: Inabu / Shitara 1 (19.38 km)
02:12 SS4: Shinshiro 1 (17.41 km)
04:27 Tyre fitting zone (15 min)
05:32 SS5: Isegami's Tunnel 2 (23.67 km)
06:32 SS6: Inabu / Shitara 2 (19.38 km)
08:00 SS7: Shinshiro 2 (17.41 km)
10:35 SS8: Okazaki SSS 1 (2.54 km)
10:44 SS9: Okazaki SSS 2 (2.54 km)
Saturday, 23 November
00:05 SS10: Mt. Kasagi 1 (16.47 km)
01:03 SS11: Nenoue Kougen 1 (11.60 km)
02:16 SS12: Ena 1 (22.79 km)
04:04 Tyre fitting zone (15 min)
05:05 SS13: Mt. Kasagi 2 (16.47 km)
06:08 SS14: Nenoue Kougen 2 (11.60 km)
07:16 SS15: Ena 2 (22.79 km)
10:07 Service (45 min)
11:05 SS16: Toyota Stadium SSS 2 (2.15 km)
Sunday, 24 November
23:39 SS17: Nukata 1 (20.23 km)
00:35 SS18: Lake Mikawako 1 (13.98 km)
01:38 SS19: Nukata 2 (20.23 km)
03:49 Service (15 min)
04:17 SS20: Toyota Stadium SSS 3 (2.15 km)
06:15 SS21: Lake Mikawako 2 (13.98 km) Power Stage
