Japan Rally 2026: schedule and TV times

Toyota races at home

Almost a month after the last event in Portugal, which ended with Thierry Neuville and Hyundai’s first seasonal victory, the WRC arrives at Toyota’s home, in Japan. An interesting rally to follow from various points of view, starting with the return to asphalt routes after the Portuguese gravel interlude, concluded with the incredible puncture that denied a seemingly certain victory to Sébastien Ogier just when the nine-time world champion was one step away from success (the Frenchman then reserved a polemical message for Hankook on social media).

Read more Japan Rally 2026, Day 1: Evans immediately hits the accelerator

Toyota will therefore try to forget what happened in front of its home crowd, with the seventh round of the world championship marking the end of the first half of this season, in a standings that sees three drivers from the Japanese team in the top three positions. Behind Elfyn Evans, the world leader, is home idol Takamoto Katsuta, who is in turn followed by Oliver Solberg, with the three drivers separated by a gap of 31 points.

Read more Rally of Japan 2026, Day 2: Evans remains leader, Solberg bids farewell to victory hopes

Early start

As with all Japanese events, the stages will not be easy for the Italian public to follow, at least for the stages scheduled each day from Friday to Sunday. After Thursday’s shakedown, the actual rally will begin on May 29, but unlike the guaranteed live broadcasts of every stage streaming on Rally.tv, Sky Sport will not broadcast any stages on Friday. This will not be the case on Saturday and Sunday, with two rounds each day (including the power stage) live on Sky Sport Arena or Sky Sport Uno, in addition to live streaming on NOW. Below are all the stages and live broadcasts of the Japan Rally 2026.

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