Ogier leads Toyota 1-2-3-4 on Japan WRC shakedown stage

Sébastien Ogier set the fastest time on the 2.53-kilometre shakedown stage ahead of the Japan Rally, leading a Toyota clean sweep of the top four positions. Estonian driver Romet Jürgenson also impressed, posting a strong pace in the Rally2 category.

Sébastien Ogier once again demonstrated his pace at the Japan World Rally Championship round, clocking the quickest time on the 2.53-kilometre shakedown stage and guiding Toyota to a dominant one-two-three-four finish in the pre-event test.

The shakedown, traditionally used by teams to fine-tune their machinery before competitive stages begin, saw Toyota's full squad lock out the entire top four positions behind Ogier. The Japanese manufacturer's dominance on home soil was immediately apparent, raising expectations for their performance when the timed special stages get underway.

Estonian driver Romet Jürgenson also caught the eye during the shakedown, recording a competitive pace in the Rally2 class and suggesting he could be a factor in that category's standings as the Japan Rally progresses.