Adrien Fourmaux is savouring a career milestone after winning FORUM8 Rally Japan’s opening stage, thrilling a packed Toyota Stadium crowd on Thursday evening.

The final round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship launched in spectacular style, with fans treated to a two-at-a-time super special which set the scene for three days of intense competition across over 20 asphalt stages.

Driving an M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID, Fourmaux edged Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID driver Ott Tänak by 0.5sec. Toyota GAZOO Racing’s home favourite Takamoto Katsuta delighted the local fans by claiming third, a further 0.3sec back.

For Fourmaux, who has started 58 WRC events and claimed four podium finishes, this marks the first time he has ever led a WRC rally. The Frenchman’s enthusiasm was infectious as he soaked up the moment.

“I couldn't come to Japan and not have neon lights,” he joked, referencing the striking lighting beneath his car. “I’m still living the dream I had when I was younger. I really enjoyed it - it was great to see so many spectators here.”

Elfyn Evans slotted his GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID into fourth place, just 0.9sec behind Fourmaux’s benchmark and 1.3sec ahead of championship leader Thierry Neuville. Neuville, who needs only six points to secure a maiden drivers’ title for both himself and Hyundai, remains laser-focused.

“We’re definitely counting down the stages,” the Belgian said. “The objectives are clear for the team, and everyone is motivated but calm. Once the rally starts, it’s easier to manage the stress. We just need to stay concentrated and do our job.”

Eight-time WRC champion Sébastien Ogier matched Neuville’s time to share fifth place. Grégoire Munster and Andreas Mikkelsen rounded out the top eight, though Mikkelsen encountered drama with a fuel surge issue.

“I was empty of fuel!” the Norwegian exclaimed. “The car started cutting out, and I had to drive left and right to keep it going. We almost didn’t reach the finish line.”

Ninth place went to Nikolay Gryazin, who also set the pace in WRC2 in his Citroën C3. Championship contender Sami Pajari was second in class in a Toyota GR Yaris , needing a top-two finish this week to secure the WRC2 title.

The action resumes on Friday with eight stages covering more than 125 kilometres of competitive distance.