Thierry and Martijn claimed our fifth win of the 2022 season
On a rain-affected final day in Rally Japan, we have claimed a stunning 1-2 result with Thierry/Martijn finishing ahead of Ott/Martin.
Our Belgians fought through tricky conditions to claim their second win of the 2022 WRC season in style, our fifth in total this year.
“This victory feels fantastic!” said Thierry. “It wasn’t an easy weekend, or indeed season, but to end with this result is incredible and shows that the performance is there. Thanks to our weather guys for a great job.”
A fitting farewell
In their final rally with our team, Ott and Martin secured their eighth podium of the season with second place.
“It is good to finish the season on the podium,” said Ott. “These were extremely tricky conditions at the end, and it’s been a demanding rally overall. We took the result that we could this weekend and there’s been nothing much left.”
Summarising the rally, our Deputy Team Director Julien said: “Rally Japan has been an incredible event right to the end with a lot of stories and talking points. In tricky conditions, Thierry and Martijn managed to keep the lead and took their second win of the season. Ott and Martin stepped up one position to end second in their final rally with Hyundai Motorsport. We wish them good luck for the future after our three seasons working together.”
“We’ve probably made some friends for life, so it’s been worth every year,” added Ott, reflecting on his time with our team.
Milestones and momentum
The 1-2 result in Japan is an historic one for our team with many notable milestones. It is our 25th victory since joining WRC in 2014, and with the top two positions, it scores our 99th and 100th individual podium results. We have also scored five wins in a single season for the first time, following successes in Sardinia, Finland, Ypres, and Greece.
“Results like this give a special boost to the whole team,” added Thierry. “We know the areas where we need to improve; I keep believing in this team and I will keep pushing also.”
“This win will give us the necessary positive momentum to come back even stronger in 2023,” said Julien. “The team has now all the tools in hands to fight for championships, our sole and only target.”
Final Overall Classification – Rally Japan
1 T. Neuville / M. Wydaeghe Hyundai i20 N Rally1 2:43:52.3
2 O. Tänak / M. Järveoja Hyundai i20 N Rally1 +1:11.1
3 T. Katsuta / A. Johnston Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 +2:11.3
4 S. Ogier / V. Landais Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 +2:23.6
5 E. Evans / S. Martin Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 +4:05.1
6 G. Greensmith / J. Andersson Ford Puma Rally1 +4:07.4
7 G. Munster / L. Louka Hyundai i20 N Rally2 +7:50.8
8 T. Suninen / M. Marrkula Hyundai i20 N Rally2 +8:12.4
9 E. Lindholm / R. Hämäläinen Škoda Fabia Evo +8:25.6
10 H. Kovalainen / S. Kitagawa Škoda Fabia +8:59.8
2022 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers’ Standings
After round 13
1 Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team 525
2 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 455
3 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 257
4 Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team NG 138
2022 FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers’ Standings
After round 13
1 K. Rovanperä 255
2 O. Tänak 205
3 T. Neuville 193
4 E. Evans 134
5 T. Katsuta 122
6 S. Ogier 97
7 C. Breen 84
8 D. Sordo 59
9 E. Lappi 58
10 G. Greensmith 44
All results remain subject to official FIA confirmation.
