Earlier this week Citroen announced their 2024 WRC2 driver lineup. A lineup which includes a new face along with a familiar one.
A Familiar Face
Yohan Rossel will once again drive for Citroen in WRC2 after a strong showing in 2023. Rossel ended the season third in the championship. Ending the season 7 points behind Gus Greensmith. Rossel won 2 events last season, tying him with Oliver Solberg and Gus Greensmith for the second-most wins. The 28-year-old Frenchman showed the Citroen C3 can still compete with the likes of Sköda and M-Sport, despite not being as up-to-date.
A New Face
Yohan Rossel will have a teammate this season. As Citroen will expand their WRC2 program from one to two cars. Joining Rossel will be Nikolay Gryazin. Gryazin finished fourth in the championship, 8 points behind Rossel. Gryazin drove for Toksport last season. The 26-year-old took home no wins last season. Grayzin did finish on the podium 4 times last season. Including three second places. Gryazin will give Citroen another championship challenger. As Gryazin is one of the WRC’s best up-and-coming drivers.
What Events Will The Drivers Do?
Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin’s schedules still have yet to be confirmed. However, it is believed both drivers will debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo next month. From there Rossel will likely compete in most of the same events as last season. Gryazin competed in all but two events last season. This gave Gryazin valuable experience at the events. However, that likely won’t happen this season as Citroen has less funding than Toksport. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Grayzin competed in Montecarlo, Croatia and Japan again. As he finished second at all of those events last season. Rossel heads into Rallye Monte-Carlo as the reigning winner in the class. This comes after Gryazin received a penalty for corner cutting which dropped him out of the rally lead.
The fourth and final day of Forum8 Rally Japan has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen held on to take the WRC2 class win.
SS17, Asahi Kougen 1
Andreas Mikkelsen topped the first stage of Forum8 Rally Japan’s final day. As Mikkelsen would set a time 1.9 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin on the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz rounded out the top three on the stage, finishing 18.5 seconds slower than Gryazin.
SS18, Ena City 1
Andreas Mikkelsen also took the stage win on the second stage of the day. Posting a time 22.8 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win his second stage of the day. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 1 minute and 31.5 seconds slower than Gryazin.
SS19, Nenoune Kougen 1
Andreas Mikkelsen yet again took the stage win on the nineteenth stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. As the Norwegian set a time 5.6 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win his third consecutive stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz once again rounded out the top three on the stage, finishing 28.5 seconds slower than Gryazin.
SS20, Ena City 2
Andreas Mikkelsen also took the stage win on the fourth stage of the day. Posting a time 18.2 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win his fourth consecutive stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 57.8 seconds slower than Gryazin.
SS21, Nenoune Kougen 2
Nikolay Gryazin stopped Mikkelsen’s win streak by taking the stage win on the 21st stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. Gryazin set a time 7.1 seconds faster than Andreas Mikkelsen to win the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz rounded out the top three on the stage, 7.6 seconds slower than Mikkelsen.
SS22, Wolf Power Stage Asahi Kougen 2
Nikolay Gryazin also took the final stage win of the event. Posting a time 8.3 seconds faster than Kajetan Kajetanowicz to win his second stage of the day. Andreas Mikkelsen finished third fastest on the stage, 0.4 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
The third day of Forum8 Rally Japan has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen retains the event lead after the day’s seven stages.
SS9, Nukata Forest 1
Andreas Mikkelsen topped the first stage of the third day of Forum8 Rally Japan. With Mikkelsen posting a time 2.2 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win the stage. Heikki Kovalainen finished third fastest on the stage, 44.3 seconds slower than Gryazin. Kajetan Kajetanowicz set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 14.3 seconds slower than Gryazin. Daniel Chwist rounded out the top five on the stage, 23.2 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SS10, Lake Mikawako 1
Andreas Mikkelsen also took the win on the second stage of the day. Setting a time 7.5 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin on the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz, 28.9 seconds slower than Gryazin. Heikki Kovalainen posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 12.1 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Osamu Fukunaga rounded out the top five on the stage, 1.1 seconds slower than Kovalainen.
SS11, Okazaki City SSS1
Nikolay Gryazin took the stage win on the eleventh stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. Gryazin posted a time 0.1 seconds faster than Andreas Mikkelsen to win the stage. Kajetan Kajetnowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 1.6 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. Heikki Kovalainen set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 5.2 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Daniel Chwist rounded out the top five on the stage, 7.2 seconds slower than Kovalainen.
SS12, Okazaki City SSS2
Nikolay Gryazin also took the stage win on the twelfth stage of the weekend. Posting a time 0.4 seconds faster than Andreas Mikkelsen to top the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. Heikki Kovalainen set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 5.3 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Daniel Chwist and Osamu Fukunaga tied for fifth fastest on the stage, with both drivers finishing 9 seconds slower than Kovalainen.
SS13, Nukata Forest 2
Nikolay Gryazin also won the thirteenth stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. Setting a time 6.5 seconds faster than Andreas Mikkelsen to win his third consecutive stage. Heikki Kovalainen finished third fastest on the stage, 18.8 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. Kajetan Kajetanowicz posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 15 seconds slower than Kovalainen. Osamu Fukunaga rounded out the top five on the stage, 25.9 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SS14, Lake Mikawako 2
Andreas Mikkelsen was back to his winning ways on SS14. As Mikkelsen posted a time 7.1 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 24.8 seconds slower than Gryazin. Osamu Fukunaga set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 22.9 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Eamonn Boland rounded out the top five on the stage, 1 second slower than Fukunaga.
SS15, Shinshiro City
Andreas Mikkelsen also took the stage win on the penultimate stage of the third day. Setting a time 3.7 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Gryazin. Osamu Fukunaga posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 12.2 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Eamonn Boland rounded out the top five on the stage once again, 4.4 seconds slower than Osamu.
SS16, Toyota Stadium SSS3
Andreas Mikkelsen ended the penultimate day of Forum8 Rally Japan with a stage win. As Mikkelsen would set a time 0.4 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Gryazin. Daniel Chwist posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 6.6 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Osamu Fukunaga rounded out the top five on the stage, 4.8 seconds slower than Chwist.
Forum8 Rally Japan WRC2 Day Two Recap
The second day of Forum8 Rally Japan has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen leads the class after the days seven stages.
SS2, Isegami’s Tunnel 1
Andreas Mikkelsen started off the second day of Forum8 Rally Japan with a stage win. Mikkelsen would set a time 7.8 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to take the class lead and his first stage win of the event. Heiki Kovalanen finished third fastest on the stage, 43.2 seconds slower than Gryazin. Kajetan Kajetanowicz was the last driver to finish the stage, 4.2 seconds slower than Kovalanen. The stage was cancelled after Kajetanowicz ran.
SS3, Inabu Dam 1
Andreas Mikkelsen also won the third stage of the weekend. Posting a time 30.9 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win the stage. Osamu Fukunaga finished third fastest on the stage, 17 seconds slower than Gryazin. Heiki Kovalanen set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 2.4 seconds slower than Fukunaga. Eamonn Boland rounded out the top five on the stage, 18.7 seconds slower than Kovalanen.
SS4, Shitara Town 1
Cancelled due to safety concerns.
SS5, Isegami’s Tunnel 2
Nikolay Gryazin took the stage win on the fifth stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. Setting a time 15.8 seconds faster than Andreas Mikkelsen to take his first stage win of the day. Heiki Kovalanen finished third fastest on the stage, 27.4 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. Kajetan Kajetanowicz posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 30.3 seconds slower than Kovalanen. Osamu Fukunaga rounded out the top five on the stage, 40.1 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SS6, Inabu Dam 2
Andreas Mikkelsen was back in form on SS6, taking yet another stage win. Mikkelsen would set a time 1.2 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win his third stage of the day. Heiki Kovalanen finished third fastest on the stage, 14.2 seconds slower than Gryazin. Kajetan Kajetnowicz posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 16.5 seconds slower than Kovalanen. Osamu Fukunaga rounded out the top five on the stage, 38.2 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SS7, Shitara Town 2
Andreas Mikkelsen also won the seventh stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. Posting a time 6.5 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin. Heiki Kovalanen finished third fastest on the stage, 21.7 seconds slower than Gryazin. Kajetan Kajetanowicz set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 28.4 seconds slower than Kovalanen. Osamu Fukunaga rounded out the top five on the stage, 28.3 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SS8, Toyota Stadium SSS 2
Andreas Mikkelsen took home the stage win on the final stage of the second day. Setting a time 0.1 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win his third consecutive stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Heiki Kovalanen tied for third fastest on the stage, both drivers finished 1.3 seconds slower than Gryazin. Osamu Fukunaga posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 7.9 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz and Kovalanen. Eamonn Boland rounded out the top five times on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Fukunaga.
Forum8 Rally Japan Day One WRC2 Recap
The first day of Forum8 Rally Japan has come to an end. Nikolay Gryazin leads WRC2 after the day.
Shakedown
WRC2 champion Andreas Mikkelsen topped the shakedown stage for the WRC2 class. Posting a time 1.7 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin. Heikki Kovalanen finished third fastest, 0.4 seconds slower than Gryazin. Kajetan Kajetanowicz set the fourth fastest time on the shakedown stage, 2.3 seconds slower than Kovalanen. Daniel Chwist rounded out the top five, 4.3 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.
SSS1, Toyota Stadium
Nikolay Gryazin took the win on the first stage of Forum8 Rally Japan. Setting a time 1.3 seconds faster than Mikkelsen. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 0.9 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. Heikki Kovalanen posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Daniel Chwist rounded out the top five on the opening stage, 4.6 seconds slower than Kovalanen.
What To Expect From Forum8 Rally Japan Day Two
The second day of Forum8 Rally Japan will see drivers contest seven special stages, totalling to 133.26 km. This includes two loops of three stages totalling to 65.58 km each loop. The seventh stage will be the SuperSpecial stage at the Toyota Stadium. The same stage ran today. Drivers will have a service at the end of each loop.
Short Entry List For WRC2 For Forum8 Rally Japan
Forum8 Rally Japan will have a short entry list for the WRC2 class. Andreas Mikkelsen, Nikolay Gryazin, Kajetan Kajetanowicz and last year’s winner Grégoire Munster will headline the class. Alongside other local drivers. The short entry list was expected, as Rally Japan is a bit more expensive than other events to compete in. Compared to European events which have nearly endless entry lists. The short entry list is also the result of the majority of drivers being out of point-scoring rounds. Nevertheless, there will still be competition this weekend, just a lot less than normal.
The 2023 World Rally Championship continues this weekend with the thirteenth and final round, Forum8 Rally Japan.
Championship Rundown
Andreas Mikkelsen clinched his second WRC2 championship last time out. Despite being tied with Gus Greensmith for the championship lead. How? Mikkelsen wins via countback. Mikkelsen also has one point scoring round left this season, which will be used this weekend. Greensmith ran out of events at the end of the Central European Rally. Yohan Rossel’s season is also over, with the Frenchmen ending the season 7 points behind Greensmith and Mikkelsen. Oliver Solberg’s season ended two events ago, he still sits 13 points behind Rossel. Sami Pajari’s season also ended two events ago, he sits 5 points behind Solberg.
Who Is Competing This Weekend?
Forum8 Rally Japan will have a short entry list for the WRC2 class. Andreas Mikkelsen, Nikolay Gryazin, Kajetan Kajetanowicz and last year’s winner Grégoire Munster will headline the class. Alongside other local drivers. The short entry list was expected, as Rally Japan is a bit more expensive than other events to compete in. Compared to European events which have nearly endless entry lists. The short entry list is also the result of the majority of drivers being out of point-scoring rounds. Nevertheless, there will still be competition this weekend, just a lot less than normal.
Back To WRC2
Grégoire Munster will drop back down to WRC2 after competing Rally Chile BioBio and the Central European Rally in a Rally1 car. Munster won Forum8 Rally Japan last season, and will look to do the same this weekend. This could also be Munster’s last event in a WRC2 car for the foreseeable future. As he has hinted at competing Rallye Monte-Carlo next season in a Rally1 car. Munster won’t have an easy time taking the win this weekend. As he will have to fend off WRC2 champion Andreas Mikkelsen, among others.
The Central European Rally has come to an end. Nicolas Ciamin took home the win to claim the first WRC2 class win of his career.
Day One
The first day of the Central European Rally saw drivers contest two SuperSpecial stages. WRC2 class leader Andreas Mikkelsen kicked off the event with a win on SSS1. However, his lead was short-lived as Mikkelsen’s championship rival Yohan Rossel won SS2 to take a 3.2-second lead over Mikkelsen.
Day Two
The second day of the event saw drivers contest 6 stages. Nikolay Gryazin was the Kalle Rovanperä of the WRC2 class. Winning three of the days six stages. However, only five of those stages were run as SS6 was canceled due to safety concerns. Despite winning all but two stages on the day Gryazin didn’t lead the event to end the day. Instead, Emil Lindholm ended the day with a 14.9-second lead over Erik Cais.
Day Three
The penultimate day of the Central European Rally saw drivers once again contest six stages. Emil Lindholm took three of the six stage wins on the day to expand his lead to 20.9 over Nicolas Ciamin to end the day. Nothing major happened on the day which is out of character for a rally.
Day Four
The fourth and final day of the event saw drivers contest four stages. Emil Lindholm lost the rally lead before even starting the first stage of the day. As Lindholm suffered an alternator issue on the way to the days opening stage, ending his event. This promoted Nicolas Ciamin into the rally lead. Ciamin maintained the lead throughout the day. Andreas won two of the days four stages including the Powerstage. All to secure the 2023 WRC2 championship.
Championship Rundown
Andreas Mikkelsen leaves the Central European Rally tied with Gus Greensmith for the WRC2 championship lead. Despite the two being tied Mikkelsen has won the championship. As Greensmith has no point-scoring events remaining. While Mikkelsen still has one. Mikkelsen doesn’t have to score a single point in Japan however as he will still win the championship regardless via countback. Yohan Rossel sits third in the championship, 7 points behind Mikkelsen and Greensmith. Rossel much like Greensmith has no point-scoring rounds remaining. Oliver Solberg maintains fourth in the championship, 13 points behind Rossel. Sami Pajari also stays in the same position as before the event. As Pajari remains fifth overall, 6 points behind Solberg.
Unfortunate Endings
Yohan Rossel
Yohan Rossel’s championship hopes came to an end on the first stage of the second day. Rossel would go wide on a corner into the grass. Normally this wouldn’t be much of an issue. However, with Rossel using tarmac slicks going on to wet grass was like driving on ice. With no grip available Rossel was left to slide into some small trees. Ending his championship hopes and event.
Emil Lindholm
Emil Lindholm was one pace to have his best finish of the season. Unfortunately for Lindholm an alternator issue on the transit to the first stage of the final day ended his event earlier. The 2022 WRC2 champion’s season came to an unfortunate end.
Earlier this week the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT announced two drivers that will drive in WRC2 as part of the Next Generation program.
Who Are They?
The two drivers that will drive for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Next Generation team in WRC2 next season are Yuki Yamamoto and Hikaru Kogure. Both Yamamoto and Kogure drove in the WRC4 class this past season at select events. Following in Takamoto Katsuta’s footsteps both Japanese drivers will drive select European events for the team. It hasn’t been confirmed what car they will drive. However, it’s a safe bet that they will drive the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
A Bit About The Drivers
Yuki Yamamoto
Born in Japan, Yamamoto is a 26-year-old driver. They have competed in a Rally4 car for the last two seasons. Yamamoto has competed at select rounds of the Finnish Rally Championship and the World Rally Championship among others. Finishing 7th in the ERT4 class in the FRC last season, and 3rd in the ERT4 Junior championship. Yamamoto has shown steady development as a part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing NG Team. Yamamoto made his rally debut in 2018 at the Rally in Akitakata in Japan. From 2018 to 2021 Yamamoto competed in Japan. Before joining the Toyota Gazoo Racing NG team.
Hikaru Kogure
Born in Japan, Kogure is a 22-year-old rally driver. Making his rally debut in 2020 at the Shikoku no Teppen Rally in Japan. Kogure spent his first two years competing in Japan before joining the Toyota Gazoo Racing NG team. Much like Yamamoto, Kogure competed in select rounds of the FRC and WRC last season. Finishing 9th in the ERT4 class and 5th in ERT4 Junior.
Why Straight To Rally2?
Yamamoto and Kogure will jump from 2WD Rally4 cars to 4WD Rally2 cars, but why? Normally drivers would drive in a Rally3 car before Rally2. However for Toyota this likely makes more sense. As it’s worked for them before, well sort of. As Takamoto Katsuta started driving in a 2WD Toyota GT86 some years ago. Before joining Tommi Makinen Racing, which was a part of Toyota. There is a difference between the GT86 Katsuta drove and the Rally4 cars Yamamoto and Kogure drove. The premise is the same, however. Plus ultimately this move just skips a stepping stone for the drivers and allows them to learn and develop in the Rally2 cars. As opposed to driving a Rally3 car and then a Rally2 car.
The 2023 WRC2 championship has been crowned. Andreas Mikkelsen secured the championship this past weekend.
Champions Again
Andreas Mikkelsen is now a 2 time WRC2 champion. Winning the WRC2 championship in 2021 and nearly winning it last season. Mikkelsen has been one of the top drivers in the WRC2 class for the past couple of seasons. Winning the WRC2 championship this season is a bit of a shock for Mikkelsen. As the Norwegian not only started his season at the fifth round of the season at Vodafone Rally De Portugal. There were also many questions about funding for Mikkelsen this season. There was also the possibility of Mikkelsen returning to the sports top level this season. As Mikkelsen was apparently the one chosen to replace Craig Breen after Breen passed away in April. However, the contract never came for Mikkelsen and Teemu Suninen got the spot instead.
The First Of Many
Andreas Mikkelsen’s WRC2 Championship this season just wasn’t for him. It was also for Sköda. As the manufacturer debuted a new Sköda Fabia R5 this season. Mikkelsen will go down in history as the first driver to win a championship in the car. Mikkelsen will likely be the first of many to win a championship in the car.
Mikkelsen’s 2023 WRC2 Season
Andreas Mikkelsen has only competed in 6 events so far this season. Despite starting late Mikkelsen got off to a hot start. Placing third at Vodafone Rally De Portugal, his first event of the season. Mikkelsen took the win on his second event of the season at Rally Italia Sardegna. Skipping Safari Rally Kenya, Mikkelsen returned at Rally Estonia. Winning the event for his second consecutive win at an event he attended. Things changed at Secto Rally Finland however. As the Norwegian finished 4th after some struggles at the event. However, everything was back on track at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. As Mikkelsen put on a monster drive to win the event after getting three punctures on the first day.
Mikkelsen skipped Rally Chile BioBio, which allowed his championship rivals Yohan Rossel and Gus Greensmith to take the championship lead. Neither driver capitalized on that opportunity. Mikkelsen went into the Central European Rally with a 4-point lead over Rossel and 8 over Greensmith. With Rossel crashing out on the second day his season was over. Leaving only Greensmith in Mikkelsen’s way. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Mikkelsen. As he struggled throughout the event. Ending the second day 20th in class. His chances looked bleak. However, with a Powerstage win Mikkelsen secured the championship.
The fourth and final day of the Central European Rally has come to an end. Nicolas Ciamin took the lead to claim the class win.
SS15, Bohmerwald 1
Nicolas Ciaamin kicked off the fourth and final day of the Central European Rally with a stage win. With Ciamin posting a time 0.9 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to take the stage win. Alejandro Cachòn finished third fastest on the stage, 1.5 seconds slower than Gryazin. Simon Wagner set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.8 seconds slower than Cachòn. Josh McErlean rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.1 seconds slower than Wagner.
SS16, Passauer Land 1
Andreas Mikkelsen claimed the stage win on the sixteenth stage of the Central European Rally. Setting a time 0.9 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win the stage. Nicolas Ciamin finished third fastest on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Gryazin. Alejandro Cachòn posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 8.6 seconds slower than Ciamin. Erik Cais rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.1 seconds slower than Cachòn.
SS17, Bohmerwald 2
Nikolay Gryazin took home the stage win on SS17. Posting a time 2.7 seconds faster than Alejandro Cachòn on the stage. Sami Pajari finished third fastest on the stage, 3.6 seconds slower than Cachòn. Nicolas Ciamin set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.1 seconds slower than Pajari. Miko Marczyk and Erik Cais rounded out the top five on the stage. With each finishing 1.3 seconds slower than Ciamin.
SS18, Passauer Land 2
Andreas Mikkelsen took home the stage win on the eighteenth and final stage of the Central European Rally. With Mikkelsen setting a time 1.6 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win the stage. Nicolas Ciamin finished third fastest on the stage, 3 seconds slower than Gryazin. Alejandro Cachòn posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 6.1 seconds slower than Ciamin. Erik Cais rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.1 seconds slower than Cachòn.
Lindholm Retires
Emil Lindholm had all but won the class to start the final day of the Central European Rally. However, his rally would come to an abrupt end before the start of the first stage of the day. As an alternator failure on the road section between SS15 and service. This promoted Nicolas Ciamin to the class lead. Ciamin held onto the lead to take his first-ever WRC2 victory.