Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans continue fight for World Rally crown

While Toyota's other title aspirant Kalle Rovanpera was best through the opening Super Special stage, Ogier took the first of three stage wins to lead a Toyota quintet with local hero Takamoto Katsuta and his Northern Ireland co-driver Aaron Johnston just 1.3s behind after SS2.

Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy Eoin retired during the third stage of the FORUM8 Rally Japan after their M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 understeered and hit a tree. Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool .

As Toyota Gazoo Racing team mates Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans continue their fight for the World Rally Championship crown with the former leading the way after the opening leg of the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the Irish crew of Kilrea's Josh McErlean and Killeagh's Eoin Treacy crashed their M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 some 8.9km into the 17.41km third stage, Shinshiro1. 

They were tenth overall at the time, a disappointed McErlean summed up the situation. "Not great, it was a fast right-hander, we got some understeer, it was high speed, we went to the other side, hit a tree with the back left and straight into a tree with the front. It was a big (sudden) stop, fourth/fifth gear." Following the impact, both McErlean and co-driver Treacy were checked over by the medical team. "It's very sore, but we're ok which is the main thing. Not the way we wanted it." added McErlean. A decision has yet to be made if they will re-join under Super Rally for Sunday's final leg.