The 7^th round of the P-WRC (Production car World Rally Championships), "Pioneer carrozzeria Rally Japan" was held from 31^st October to 2^nd November, in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Up until now, Rally Japan was held around the Obihiro area, but this year, the 5^th Rally Japan, was moved to Hokkaido's largest city, Sapporo. Many visitors came to see the event, and the service park was held inside the Sapporo dome, where the Super SS was also held. A lot of rain fell during rally week, and everyone was expecting the worst as even before the rally got under way, one part of the course was cancelled due to snow.

 

On day 1, P-WRC drivers A.Araujo (Lancer Evo.IX CT9A) and E.Vertunov (Impreza GRB) started the rally cautiously and finished the stage around 10^th position. A.Araujo changed his springs and lowered the spring rate in the first service time to adjust to the stage. But most of the afternoon forest course was cancelled and he lost the opportunity to improve on his time. At the end of the day, A.Araujo finished in 10^th position among the P-WRC cars and E.Vertunov in 12^th. Japanese driver, Taguchi (Lancer Evo.IX CT9A) who already turned 60 years old, drove to the limits of the TYPE Gr.N shock absorber and was placed around 30th overall in the stage. He followed the P-WRC drivers closely finishing the day in 28^th overall position. Watanabe (Lancer Evo.IX CT9A) suffered from radiator trouble in SS1 to end the day, but was able to continue on in day 2 through the super rally system. With the WRC event being held in Hara's (Boon M301S) home town, he also drove cautiously but hard during the first day to finish in 50^th overall position.

 

Clear weather for day 2 meant all the cars were out in full force. All the cars were driving faster, but this resulted in many drivers crashing off course. Before the day ended, many cars were already in the service park for maintenance. A.Araujo drove well during the day and even set the fastest time in SS15. He managed to climb up to 7^th overall position until he suffered mechanical trouble in SS16 ending his day. Taguchi, coming off a good run in day 1, damaged his tie rod which ended his day. He would return in day 3 through the super rally system. Hara drove brilliantly and finished the day at the top of the N1 class, and in 42^nd overall position.

 

Rain returned on day 3 turning the road conditions for the worse. A.Araujo coming back through the super rally system, finished in 9th position but his car was not running the way he wanted. E.Vertunov unfortunately drove off the course in SS28 and had to retire from the rally. Taguchi and Watanabe, both coming back through the super rally system, finished in 37^th and 45^th overall position.

On another note, Lancer Evolution Magazine editor, Matsui, drove his Lancer Evo.X (CZ4A) equipped with prototype TEIN TYPE HG shock absorbers. He drove well in day 1 and 2, gradually improving on his time, but in SS21 on day 3, he unfortunately drove off course and the Evo.X was unable to make it to the podium. Hara started the final day at the top of the N1 class and continued hard to keep his position. He went on to win the N1 class in 30^th overall position, and was also the first front wheel drive car to finish!

 

The next and final round of the P-WRC, Rally Great Britain, will be held between December 5^th and 7^th.