Rally Japan – Day Two

Hyundai Motorsport holds a four-second lead of Rally Japan, the final round of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), after a closely-fought battle on the penultimate day of the tarmac event.

Photo:Hyundaimotorsport

Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe moved to the top of the timesheets during the afternoon loop to set their sights on a second victory of the season. Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja, meanwhile, advanced to third spot to make it a provisional double podium for the team.

Neuville was involved in a tantalising battle from the outset, having taken a three-second shortfall into Saturday’s stages. Action got underway early with the longest individual stage of the day, Nukata Forest (SS8/SS11, 20.56km), before moving onto Lake Mikawako (SS9/SS12, 14.74km).

The twisty, technical roads of these opening tests were contrasted by the wider, faster Shinshiro City (SS10, 7.08km), which was run just once. The characteristics of the high-speed stage suited Tänak, who claimed the fastest time – the team’s first stage win of the weekend.

Neuville dropped to 6.5 seconds behind the leader heading into lunchtime service, but the Belgian soon found his stride in the repeat of Nukata Forest and Lake Mikawako. Two strong runs saw him close and then overturn the gap, taking a two-second lead into the final stage of the day, the fan-packed super special at Okazaki City (SS14, 1.40km).

Patience paid dividends. A delayed start to the final short stage (held just once rather than twice as scheduled) against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, allowed Neuville to gain his composure and increase his advantage. By setting the fastest time, Neuville finished the day out in front by four seconds. Tänak made it a Hyundai 1-2 in stage, and a 1-3 on the overall classification, setting the scene for a thrilling final day of the 2022 championship.

Crew Notes: Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (#11 Hyundai i20 N Rally1) Impressive speed and tenacity from the Belgians to take the rally lead by four seconds
Stage win in the Okazaki super special underscored their determination

Neuville said: “The target at the start of the day was to stay close to Elfyn and to keep the gap behind. He had a great morning loop, and we were generally looking for a better balance with our car. We just drove to our rhythm and pushed when we could. We got it right for the afternoon with a good tyre choice, and a soft for the final stage, which allowed us to take and increase the lead. Tomorrow is going to be another difficult day, just as it’s been all event, and with extra excitement. To finish the season with a victory would be great.”


Crew Notes: Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (#8 Hyundai i20 N Rally1) Estonian crew moved into the provisional podium positions
Stage win in SS10 (Shinshiro City) and second fastest through SS14 (Okazaki City)

Tänak said: “It’s good to end the day in the provisional podium positions but it’s not over yet. We had a generally clean day, with no trouble; everything worked well. We weren’t far off the pace but the cars at the front were able to find a bit more and go faster than us. Stage 10 was a bit different, and we could set the fastest time. It was a very “racey” stage, so we stiffened the car a bit and it was a big improvement. Tomorrow looks set to be trickier with more challenging stages. Let’s see what it brings; we’ll do all we can to bring home a good result for the team.”

Deputy Team Director Julien Moncet said: “This has been a quite positive day through the colourful Japanese landscapes. It was a strong afternoon for Thierry and Martijn, who managed to take the lead of the rally and won today’s final stage in Okazaki despite some transmission concerns. Tomorrow, it will be all about getting through the uncertain weather conditions with unique tyre choices for the whole loop – and to keep the lead until the end. After some set-up changes, Ott and Martin won SS10 just before the midday break. Although they couldn’t keep up with the crews in front in the afternoon, they nevertheless consolidated their third position. Their target will be to maintain the podium tomorrow. Sunday’s loop offers around 70 competitive kilometres; everything is still possible and there is no room for error.”

Sunday at a glanceThe final day of the 2022 WRC season will cover five stages over a distance of 69.82km, unusually only marginally shorter than Saturday’s itinerary
Asahi Kougen (SS15/SS19, 7.52km) is the shortest run of the day, topping and tailing the schedule with the test also acting as the Power Stage
Sandwiched in between, two passes through Ena City (SS16/SSS18, 21.59km) represent the bulk of the running with the more modest Nenoue Plateau (SS17, 11.60km) in the middle of the day’s action.

Classification after Day Two

1 T. Neuville M. Wydaeghe Hyundai i20 N Rally1 1:51:28.3
2 E. Evans S. Martin Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 +4.0
3 O. Tänak M. Järveoja Hyundai i20 N Rally1 +39.9
4 T. Katsuta A. Johnston Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 +1:04.5
5 S. Ogier V. Landais Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 +2:46.7
6 G. Greensmith J. Andersson Ford Puma Rally1 +3:25.4