Elfyn powers to brilliant victory in season closer.
Elfyn’s victory at Rally Japan, the final round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship helped seal a memorable fourth consecutive World Rally Manufacturer title for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
It was Elfyn’s second win in two years on Toyota’s home event in Japan and his first time on the top step of the podium this year, securing enough points to see him finish runner-up in the drivers’ championship.
The odds were stacked against Toyota going into the event but, after a mistake from Hyundai driver Ott Tanak on the final day, the door was open for Elfyn and the Toyota crews to turn the tables.
Elfyn had been pushing hard all weekend on the tricky and twisty Tarmac stages holding second behind Tanak for most of the time. The pair had been battling steadily with Elfyn gaining an advantage on the morning loop each day only for Tanak to extend the gap in the afternoon.
But the final day saw a dominant performance from the three Toyota crews. Elfyn’s team-mate Sebastien Ogier finished second to secure a double rally podium and Elfyn pushed hard through the final Power Stage, with his victory and additional Power Stage points clinching the world title for Toyota.
The finish podium in the Toyota Stadium saw an incredible celebration and acknowledgement of the effort all weekend, and season, from the Toyota crews and team.
Elfyn and co-driver Scott Martin finished second in the championship, which was won by Belgians Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe.
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