The 12th stage of the World Rally Championship season finale was cancelled due to an unauthorised vehicle entering the closed road.
Six of the eight Rally1 crews successfully completed a run through the 16.47km Ena test but officials were forced to abandon the stage before rally leader Ott Tanak and Toyota Elfyn Evans could begin.
Luckily, the appearance of the unauthorised vehicle was flagged to officials before Evans could start the stage.
Television cameras captured a vehicle that was stationary facing in the opposite direction of travel approaching the start line where Evans’ Toyota GR Yaris was waiting behind a temporary barrier.
Rally organisers have confirmed that local authorities are on the scene and dealing with the vehicle.
A statement issued to Autosport read: “Special Stage 12 of FORUM8 Rally Japan has been stopped for safety reasons following a security incident.
“Shortly before the seventh competition car started the stage, an unauthorised vehicle entered and blocked the start line. The stage was therefore immediately stopped, and the rest of the competitors were instructed to follow an alternative route to the next regroup.
“The local authorities are now in attendance and we will continue to work with them to ensure that the incident is dealt with appropriately.”
Watch: FORUM8 Rally Japan Saturday Morning Highlights
This is not the first time an unauthorised vehicle has entered a stage at Rally Japan. In 2022 a car driven by a member of the public travelling in the opposite direction appeared during Stage 4, which was encountered by WRC2 drivers Sami Pajari and title contender Emil Lindholm.
On this occasion, an accident was avoided and no injuries were sustained. The FIA launched a full investigation following the 2022 incident.
Rally organisers have since issued nominal times to Tanak (16m39.3s), Evans (16m38.3s) and a time of 17m23.9s to the remaining WRC2 crews.
The nominal time issued to the WRC2 crews helped Neuville climb into ninth which is worth two points if he can finish the rally.
As a result, Tanak’s Rally Japan lead has been further reduced to 15.3s over Evans heading into the afternoon loop.
