Motorsport: Sebastien Ogier big in Japan and on eyeing title record

The French driver finished with an 11.6s victory margin.

The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 of Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais on their way to victory during a rain-lashed final day of the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the penultimate round of the World Rally Championship. The Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy didn't restart the event following their retirement on the third stage where their Ford Puma Rally1 was damaged. Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool.

Eight-times World Rally champion French driver Sebastien Ogier remains on course for a record equalling ninth title (with Sebastien Loeb) following a great battle with his Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate and title contender Elfyn Evans to claim victory on the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the penultimate round of the series. 

On an extremely wet final leg Ogier finished with an 11.6s victory margin, he topped the Super Sunday standings to close to within three points of Evans ahead of the title decider in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, another teammate Kalle Rovanpera was sixth and is now 24 points off the lead. Ott Tanak's (Hyundai) title hopes are over and following the event, the Estonian announced that he is to step back from full-time rallying at the end of the season.