Neuville’s Dream Come True: Historic WRC Title Secured as Toyota Snatches Manufacturers’ Crown in Japan!

Thierry Neuville’s Historic First WRC Title at FORUM8 Rally Japan

After years of near-misses and countless heartbreaks, Thierry Neuville has finally achieved the dream he’s fought for his entire career: winning his maiden FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) title. The historic moment came at the FORUM8 Rally Japan, where Neuville, alongside co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe, sealed the championship in dramatic fashion on the final day.

The victory was secured early on Sunday morning, after Neuville’s main rival, Ott Tänak, crashed out of the rally while leading on the day’s opening stage. With a 25-point cushion heading into the season finale, Neuville’s lead was unassailable, and his championship was locked in with four stages to spare. This marks not only a monumental achievement for Neuville but also a first for his home country of Belgium and for the Hyundai Motorsport team after a decade of trying.

Neuville expressed his elation after the win, saying, “I am feeling great to be honest, we worked so long for this.” He reflected on the perseverance it took to get there, acknowledging the team and everyone who supported him. “We were many times very close; we always gave it our all, but this year we have been rewarded for it,” he added.

The championship win, however, came with added drama. Neuville had to recover from a turbocharger failure on Friday, which left him in 15th place before mounting a spectacular comeback to finish sixth overall. The victory capped off a thrilling week of racing, proving Neuville’s resilience and ability to rise above adversity.

While Neuville celebrated his long-awaited triumph, the manufacturers’ title battle delivered its own drama. Hyundai had the upper hand heading into the final day, but Tänak’s crash handed the advantage to Toyota, whose drivers Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta delivered strong performances to secure Toyota’s eighth manufacturers’ crown. The championship was decided by just three points, the closest margin since Lancia’s victory in 1983.

Elfyn Evans, who inherited the rally win following Tänak’s retirement, not only became the sixth different winner in a competitive season but also secured second place in the drivers’ championship, marking a bittersweet achievement for the Welshman. Despite falling short of the title, Evans remains determined to fight again next year.

As the season comes to a close, Neuville’s victory and Toyota’s manufacturers’ title provide a fitting end to a season full of drama and determination. The WRC will return in 2025, with an expanded calendar including exciting new events in Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, and Spain, ensuring the thrill of rallying continues well into the new year.