FIA WRC safety delegate Nicolas Klinger worked closely with the organizers prior to the event, and the results showed
Photography by M-Sport & Toyota
Words by Luke Barry
FIA safety delegate Nicolas Klinger has praised Rally Japan’s “clear and tangible” safety improvements this year after trouble with civilian cars in the past.
Based in Toyota City, Japan returned to the World Rally Championship in 2022 but has been marred by safety breaches over the years.
In its debut year, then Škoda WRC2 driver Sami Pajari encountered a civilian car heading the wrong way down a live stage (that had been red-flagged when the incident occurred), while last year a van drove half a kilometer the wrong way down a stage and to the start control.
That prompted the FIA to hand Rally Japan a yellow card, reserved for when “serious lack of safety in rallies is observed”.
Klinger himself worked closely with the Rally Japan organizing team and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) to make sure the event reached the required standard, hosting a three-day marshal training event in October.
At the conclusion of 2025’s event, he was clearly satisfied by the results.
“Rally Japan has made clear and tangible progress this year,” Klinger said. “The practical workshops and on-site simulations delivered by the FIA Rally Safety Task Force, Rally Japan organizers and Japan Automobile Federation, have helped embed the processes and behaviors we need to run a safe, well-controlled event here in Japan.
“Witnessing stage commanders, radio teams, safety caravan crews and marshals train together in Toyota City and then apply those same principles during the event has been incredible. It is always a pleasure seeing these theoretical concepts being applied in real world situations during an event.
“It is safe to say that the 10th edition of Rally Japan was certainly a success. The event showcased excellent teamwork between the FIA, JAF and the local organizers, and I want to extend my thanks to the 1350 marshals, volunteers and officials whose professionalism and dedication made this event possible.
“The practical training, clearer processes and on-site simulations are already delivering results, and with the momentum we’ve built together we will continue to raise standards not just here at Rally Japan but across all closed-road events in the region.”
Rally Japan winner Sébastien Ogier was impressed too, commenting “at least on the safety side, I haven’t heard anything”. But he did highlight one small area for improvement.
Ogier told DirtFish: “There’s always little things you can improve and it’s always my mentality anyway – to be the best, to stay the best, you always need to push and improve. So, yeah, there was a little issue we’ve seen yesterday [Saturday] when Taka crashed and the road wasn’t really put in place for me at the right time, and then it cost me a bit of time, 1.3 seconds from data.
“So when you fight for tenths the whole weekend, it’s a bit frustrating sometimes. But I’m sure they will listen and improve for the future.”
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda added: “During the weekend, I was able to see many fans on the liaison sections. Rally Japan in Aichi and Gifu has now been held four times, and it seems this kind of roadside scenery has become established.
“We are gradually getting closer to the ‘European motorsport culture’ that I have always admired. I am truly happy. I want to thank everyone who planned Rally Japan and has continued it up to this point.”
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: FIA, Nicolas Klinger, Rally Japan, Rally Japan 2025, WRC, WRC 2025
Publish Date November 13, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/11/9iOxiijz-WRC_JAP_25_G_MUNSTER_738-780x520.jpg November 13, 2025
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