The 2022 Rally Japan, formally recognized as the FORUM8 Rally Japan 2022, took place from November 10 to 13 and served as the concluding event for the 2022 World Rally Championship (WRC). Centered in Nagoya, Chūbu Region, the rally featured nineteen special stages across a competitive distance of 283.27 kilometers (176.02 miles).
Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, the winners of the previous edition, did not compete this year as Ingrassia retired from rallying at the end of the 2021 season. "It's always tough to leave a sport you've dedicated your life to," Ingrassia reflected in a previous interview. Meanwhile, the Citroën Total World Rally Team, who had last claimed victory in Japan during its last WRC event in 2010, were unable to defend their title as the manufacturer withdrew from the championship.
Thierry Neuville and his co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe emerged victorious, marking Neuville's second win of the season. Their triumph signified a crucial accomplishment for Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT, which also clinched the manufacturers' championship. "Winning here in Japan is special, especially considering the competition we faced,” Neuville stated post-race. “It feels great to end the season on such a high note.”
In the World Rally Championship-2 category, Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka captured the title, displaying remarkable skill and consistency throughout the event. Emil Lindholm and Reeta Hämäläinen secured the WRC-3 championship, although there were no classified finishers in this support category during the rally.
The event marked the return of the Rally Japan to the WRC calendar, which had been absent since 2010. "Bringing back the Rally Japan was a significant move for the championship, and the excitement proved it,” said a WRC spokesperson. The rally base was set in Toyota, Aichi, allowing participants to experience the beautiful landscapes of the Chūbu region.
The challenge for crews was considerable, with varied terrains and demanding weather conditions. The total transport distance spanned 681.98 kilometers (423.76 miles), leading to an overall rally distance of 965.25 kilometers (599.78 miles). The stages were primarily run on tarmac, reminiscent of previous events held in the region.
The entry list for the rally included 38 registered crews, of which 36 started the competition and 32 successfully completed it. "The level of competition was intense, and it was great to see so many new teams participate," said a WRC analyst, emphasizing the diversity of entrants this year.
As the 2022 season concludes, attention now shifts to the upcoming rally calendar, with expectations high for new teams and familiar faces alike. The championship continues to grow globally, with events like Rally Japan exemplifying the sport's expanding reach.
Looking ahead, the WRC is poised to enter a new era of competitive racing, with teams eager to build on their successes from this season. Neuville’s victory not only solidifies his status among the elite drivers but also sets the stage for a thrilling next season. “Every year brings new opportunities, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” Neuville concluded, a sentiment echoed by fans and teams alike.