Neuville had secured his first-ever world championship on the previous stage. He celebrated his maiden title in style by setting the fastest time.
In the finish-line interview, Neuville was visibly emotional. Years of hard work had finally paid off.
“Honestly – it came as a surprise. I don’t know what to say, but I think we deserve it. A lot more pressure than we needed for this last event, but we managed it as best as we could with the problems we had. We are a bit more relaxed now and we can push now to go home with all the trophies. We will go flat out,” Neuville stated.
Pushing hard will indeed be necessary, as Ott Tänak’s crash has given Toyota a much stronger hand in the manufacturers’ championship battle.
Andreas Mikkelsen was the second-fastest on the stage, with Adrien Fourmaux clocking the third-fastest time.
At the top of the rally leaderboard, Toyota teammates Elfyn Evans and Sebastien Ogier continue to lead. Ogier expressed his disappointment over Tänak’s misfortune.
“That’s never nice. They are okay – that’s important. But I feel for them, they had a strong race so far. (Manufacturers battle) It’s very tight. Let’s see,” Ogier remarked.
On Super Sunday, Hyundai is poised to secure crucial points. Mikkelsen is leading the charge, with Neuville just 1.5 seconds behind.
In the WRC2 category, Toyota’s Sami Pajari is on the verge of clinching the championship. Pajari can now simply enjoy the ride and focus on bringing the car home. He speculated that his supporters in Finland would be watching.
“I think so, even though it’s midnight in Finland. They always watch my races, whether I’m winning or losing,” a cheerful Pajari shared.
Rally Japan concludes on Sunday with three more stages.
Rally Japan standings after SS18/21:
| POS | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | 3.01.14.6 |
| 2. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | +1.37.5 |
| 3. | Adrien Fourmaux | Ford | +1.48.7 |
| 4. | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota | +2.00.9 |
| 5. | Gregoire Munster | Ford | +2.55.0 |
| 6. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | +7.01.9 |
Super Sunday Standings:
| Sijoitus | Kuljettaja | Talli | Aika |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Andreas Mikkelsen | Hyundai | 20.43.3 |
| 2. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | +1.5 |
| 3. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | +5.3 |
| 4. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | +9.9 |
| 5. | Adrien Fourmaux | Ford | +12.9 |
| 6. | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota | +19.0 |
| 7. | Gregoire Munster | Ford | +31.2 |
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
