Toyota Dominates Home Rally: Evans Shines in Japan

Toyota took top spots in Rally Japan's opening leg. Champion leader Elfyn Evans, led by 15.7 seconds over Oliver Solberg. Despite rain-dampened roads, Evans seized lead post-day two. Solberg faced deer obstruction but stayed competitive. The rally concludes Sunday after intensive Saturday stages.

Toyota claimed the top four finishes in the opening leg of Rally Japan on Friday, hosted in their home nation. Championship leader Elfyn Evans was leading by 15.7 seconds, followed by teammate Oliver Solberg, and reigning champion Sebastien Ogier.

Despite damp conditions from overnight rain, Evans won multiple stages, including Isegami's Tunnel. Solberg, although encountering a deer on stage three, remained a strong contender.

As the rally unwinds with its longest leg on Saturday, the competitive field anticipates the grand finale on Sunday, covering 120 kilometers of challenging terrain.