The Japanese driver returned to Rally Finland in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 after nearly two months away from competition. Kogure had previously crashed out during Rally Sardinia in early June, but in Finland, he aimed for a clean performance.
Unfortunately, Kogure’s rally was cut short on the first proper day of competition when he went off the road during the Saarikas stage. The incident occurred in the same corner where Hyundai’s Ott Tänak had previously crashed heavily into a tree.
“One corner, which had a muddy surface, caught me out. I was slightly late and missed the clean line, so went off and rolled the car,” Kogure recounted after the rally.
Kogure was forced to retire from the rally entirely, as he was already carrying a minor injury from Rally Sardinia. On Monday, the Japanese hopeful announced that he would be facing a longer break from driving.
“After Rally Finland, a follow-up examination revealed that the condition of my collarbone had significantly worsened, so I underwent surgery in Finland last week. The first few days after the surgery were very painful, and I was bedridden, but I am slowly starting to recover now,” Kogure explained on X.
“It will take about a month of rest for full recovery, so I will miss the next round. My next race will be Rally Japan,” Kogure added.
Kogure, 23, relocated to Finland in 2022 and began his journey as a driver in Toyota’s Challenge Program. This season, he has been competing in the WRC2 category with a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, alongside his co-driver Topi Luhtinen. Kogure’s teammate in the program is Yuki Yamamoto.
