The biggest drama of the rally occurred on Saturday afternoon. Oliver Solberg, third in the championship standings, lost control on a left-hand bend on the Mt. Kasagi stage, crashing into a tree and destroying the right-rear suspension of his GR Yaris. This accident completely eliminated him from the fight for victory.
💔Oliver Solberg lost control on a left-hand bend during the Mt. Kasagi stage, crashed into a tree, and destroyed the right rear suspension of his GR Yaris.#WRC #RallyJapan #Pajari #FrenYok pic.twitter.com/3OStL9v09z
— Fren Yok (@frenyok46) May 30, 2026
Fourmaux also left, Pajari got a chance.
Following Solberg's retirement, Adrien Fourmaux also withdrew from the rally, paying the price for a moment of recklessness in Sunday's steep, wet conditions. This development opened the door for Toyota's young talent Sami Pajari to achieve his first career WRC podium. "It's a really great feeling. I came close a few times and getting my first podium is very special," said Pajari.
Hyundai is left behind again.
Ott Tänak finished fourth, the only Hyundai driver to complete the Japanese Grand Prix. The gap between Tänak and the leading Toyotas was 1 minute and 1.5 seconds, entirely due to speed.