But that win only became possible after rally leader Hyundai driver Ott Tänak crashed out spectacularly earlier on in the day to give Toyota a 1-2 shot at the podium while also handing his Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville his first driver’s championship.

Belgium's Thierry Neuville won his first world title at the age of 36 on Sunday after championship rival Ott Tanak crashed out at the season-ending Rally Japan. The Belgian began the day in seventh place but on course to win the world title after recovering from a disastrous start at the season-ending event.

The battle for this year’s FIA World Rally Championship title is set to go to the wire as Hyundai Motorsport’s Ott Tanak leads Rally Japan overnight, with teammate and WRC points leader Thierry

After years of near-misses and countless heartbreaks, Thierry Neuville can finally bask in the glory of his maiden FIA World Rally Championship title at FORUM8 Rally Japan, where Toyota GAZOO Racing sealed the manufacturers’ crown after a gripping final day packed with drama.

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville fought back into the points at the season-ending Rally Japan on Saturday to stand on the cusp of his first world championship.

Belgium’s Thierry Neuville yesterday won his first world title at the age of 36 after championship rival Ott Tanak crashed out at the season-ending Rally Japan. Tanak went off the road near the end of the opening stage of the final day, meaning he could not catch championship leader Neuville in the overall standings.

Elfyn Evans takes victory in the season-ending Rally Japan as Thierry Neuville claims his first World Rally Championship title after a 15-year wait.

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville secured his first world rally championship in Japan on Sunday as Toyota sealed the manufacturers' crown. The Belgian driver ended years of near-misses by finishing sixth after team mate and main rival Ott Tanak crashed out while leading on the day's opening stage.