WRC FORUM8 Rally Japan 2026

Ogier always has victory as his goal

As the World Rally Championship season gets underway in Japan this week, there is every indication that Sébastien Ogier will once again deliver a top-notch race. The nine-time world champion may have raced fewer races than his rivals this season, but every time he lines up he shows why he is still considered one of the biggest names in rallying. Everything is in place for the Toyota driver to finish among the top in Japan.

Rally Japan is one of the most technical asphalt races on the entire WRC calendar. Narrow roads, constantly changing grip and extremely small margins make experience crucial. This is where Ogier has a huge advantage. The Frenchman is known for his ability to read the surface better than most, while also rarely getting carried away by risks early in the rally. On demanding asphalt stages, he is often the smartest, and fastest on each individual stage.

Toyota also comes into this weekend's race with a strong starting point. The rally is held on the Japanese manufacturer's home turf, and the team knows the conditions very well. The car has shown high stability on tarmac throughout the year, which suits Ogier's precise driving style perfectly. When grip varies between dry and wet sections, the Toyota is often the car that handles the transitions best.

At the same time, several of the biggest rivals seem more vulnerable than earlier in the season. Hyundai has shown high top speed, but also instability under pressure. In addition, the weather conditions in Japan can be decisive. Rain can come at this time of year, and such conditions favor experienced drivers who make good strategic choices along the way. Ogier has shown time and again that he masters precisely such races better than most.

Another factor is motivation. Ogier no longer competes in the full World Championship season, but when he does compete, he does so to fight for victory. He comes to Japan with a victory in the last asphalt race, and a high level of confidence after also winning this race last year. That could be crucial when his concentration is tested through demanding asphalt stages all weekend.

It's hard to imagine many people beating Sébastien Ogier this week. His experience, Toyota package and history on asphalt make him one of the clear favorites. Everything points to the Frenchman finishing Rally Japan in the top two.

Rally at 01:00 FORUM8 Rally Japan: Sébastien Ogier top 2 (1.75)

Some games are also posted on our odds list which you can find here.

The rally can be followed here from Friday.