Recently crowned Probite British Rally Champion Chris Ingram enjoyed an impressive performance at WRC Rally Japan, taking his Castrol MEM Rally Team Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 well inside the top five of the WRC2 category during the weekend.
Co-driven by Alex Kihurani, the 2019 European and 2024 British rally champion travelled to Japan to make his 23rd career FIA World Rally Championship start – and began it by setting the fastest overall time, ahead of all the regular works WRC Rally1 drivers, on the event’s official Shakedown Stage!
Having then set the sixth fastest WRC2 time on the opening Toyota Stadium stage, Chris quickly settled into a good rhythm on Friday – setting consistently fast times on the day’s eight challenging stages. He ended the day sixth in WRC2 (just seven seconds shy of fourth) and 13th overall.
Having maintained that position throughout Saturday, the 30-year old Suisscourtage-backed driver moved up to fifth in WRC2 after Sunday’s opening stage, but unfortunately a mechanical issue forced him to stop on SS18. With just three out of the 21 stages remaining it was a shame that he wasn’t able to finish the event – but Rally Japan was never about the result and more about putting on a show for the Japanese fans in a Castrol-liveried Toyota.
“Rally Japan was an unbelievable experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity,” said Chris.
“I have never experienced such atmosphere. The people are incredible and it’s probably the best rally I’ve ever done.
“The rally surpassed all my expectations – what a way to finish the season!
“Although the rally ended with an unfortunate and minor technical fault there were many highlights and it’s been an unforgettable week. It’s perfect preparation for us as we aim to compete in more WRC events in 2025.”
