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It was very fulfilled first day of action at last tarmac event of 2025 World Rally Championship season and two top works drivers experienced troubles - Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota) is out of overall win fight after he damaged the rear left suspension and lost some five minutes in the process, but later got to the service park where Toyota's mechanics repaired the car and he continued and finished day in 17th place. It will be a hard event for him as he shares 2nd place in the Championship standings with Seb Ogier and he should as much points as possible before heading to Saudi Arabia later this month.
Another casualty was Josh McErlean from M-Sport Ford who had tough accident at special stage three. Crew is OK and the car will be repaired, but at home in England. They retired the crew from event. M-Sport Ford holds hopes at Gregoire Munster as only left crew at event in Japan.
So, Seb Ogier leads the rally, in 1-2-3 Toyota lead. Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta is in 2nd place (@driipam's hopes) and very close to the leader, while Championship leader Elfyn Evans holds 3rd place overall with gap of 10.2s behind a leader.
Adrien Fourmaux is the best placed Hyundai in 4th ahead of Toyota's Sami Pajari who is in 5th place overall.
Rally is still very long and anything can happen. Let the best win - as always...
Credit for photos and videos to WRC and Youtube.
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