WRC Rally Japan: Elfyn Evans leads as deer delay Oliver Solberg

Elfyn Evans again leads Rally Japan as Solberg faces deer-related delays, underscoring the tight competition on tarmac. Evans started the day with a strong performance, building a lead after the morning loop and maintaining momentum through SS2 and SS3, where road conditions again challenged crews. Solberg acknowledged the deer incident as a major setback, while Ogier fought to recover from a difficult start, reflecting how treacherous stages and changing surfaces can redefine early standings. With only a portion of the rally completed, teams remain focused on preserving speed while adapting to evolving road layouts and the potential for further wildlife or weather-related disruptions.