The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) will continue its thrilling presence in Japan as Toyota City has secured an extension of the Rally Japan agreement through the 2028 WRC season. This announcement was made by Toyota City Mayor Toshihiko Ota and WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel on October 27, 2024.
Since its return to Japan in 2022, Toyota City has served as the central hub for the WRC, with rally stages set in the picturesque mountainous regions of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. The event has witnessed a significant surge in popularity, largely attributed to Aichi-born WRC star Takamoto Katsuta. In 2023, over 160,000 spectators flocked to the rally, with an estimated 370,000 fans lining the road sections to witness the thrilling performances of their rally heroes.
The success of Rally Japan is evidenced by the growing demand for tickets for the upcoming event in November 2024. With its major global appeal, Rally Japan ranks among the most-watched events on the WRC calendar, providing substantial exposure to Toyota City.
Upcoming Event Highlights
For the 2024 rally, alongside the mountain stages, fans can look forward to three spectacular super special stages at the City of Toyota Stadium, which has a capacity of 45,000 seats. The stadium will be situated in the heart of the service park, allowing fans to get close to the action during the super special stages at Okazaki Central Park. Additional stages will take place in nearby cities, including Ena, Nakatsugawa, Shinshiro, and Shitara.
Every stage of this year’s FORUM8 Rally Japan will be broadcast live on JSports, with further coverage available on NHK, TV Asahi, and Abema TV.
Statements from Officials
Mayor Ota expressed his excitement over the extension, highlighting Rally Japan’s acclaim for its stunning backdrop of Japanese scenery, including mountains, lakes, and traditional Shinto shrine gates. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong rally culture and expanding the fan base both locally and internationally.
WRC Managing Director Jona Siebel praised Toyota City for its warm welcome and commitment to sustainability, which enhances the overall fan experience.
Local hero Takamoto Katsuta also expressed his gratitude for the home rally, emphasizing the significance of continuity in maintaining rally popularity. He acknowledged the hard work of the organizers in securing the extension and its importance for his career and Japanese motorsport.
The announcement was made during the Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival at Everland Speedway in South Korea, where WRC Promoter’s Senior Sporting Director Peter Thul congratulated Mayor Ota and Katsuta on this significant milestone.
Subject to World Motor Sport Council approval.
Source: WRC
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
