Thrilling Finish Looms at Rally Japan as Evans Leads the Pack

World championship leader Elfyn Evans heads into the final leg of Rally Japan on Sunday with a 17.8-second lead over Toyota teammate Sebastien Ogier, after a dramatic setback for Oliver Solberg, who crashed out on Saturday.

Toyota continues its strong performance, occupying the top four slots in the home asphalt event, with Sami Pajari in third place and local hero Takamoto Katsuta holding the fourth position. Evans started with a 15.7-second advantage over Solberg, who trimmed the gap before hitting a tree in stage 10.

Ogier expressed disappointment, aiming for a win but grappling with tire issues. Today's stages see a consistent Toyota front-line with Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux breaking into fifth, while six more stages are scheduled for Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)