SHERIDAN, WYOMING -- June 1, 2025 -- Nikolay Gryazin is heading to Rally Japan as one of the most experienced hands on the grid, and this time he will be carrying the Lancia badge. The 28-year-old Bulgarian-licensed driver will compete in round seven of the FIA World Rally Championship aboard the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, tackling 20 special stages and 302 competitive kilometres across the Aichi and Gifu prefectures from 28 to 31 May. With a WRC2 victory at this very event in 2024 and two runner-up finishes in previous editions, Gryazin arrives in Japan not just as a contender but as the man who knows these roads better than almost anyone in the field.
Why Rally Japan Is One of a Kind
Rally Japan has built a reputation as one of the most technically demanding — and most atmospherically spectacular — events on the entire WRC calendar. The stages are defined by narrow, twisting roads with almost no straight sections, requiring drivers to string together endless sequences of tight corners with precision and patience. Grip levels shift constantly, and the weather across Japan's mountainous regions can swing from sunshine to treacherous conditions in a matter of minutes, keeping both crews and engineers on their toes from the first stage to the last.
The passionate Japanese fanbase adds another dimension entirely. Thousands of spectators line both the stages and road sections throughout the weekend, creating an atmosphere that rival events rarely match. For a driver of Gryazin's experience, that energy is something to feed off rather than be distracted by.
The Route: Three Days, 302 Kilometres
The rally opens on Thursday 28 May with the ceremonial start before competitive action kicks off on Friday across six special stages covering 108 kilometres. Among the Friday highlights is the brand-new Asuke stage, making its WRC debut with 12.9 kilometres of narrow and technical roads, followed by the iconic Isegami's Tunnel — a 24-kilometre test famous for its rock walls and extremely tight sections that demands absolute commitment from drivers.
Saturday ramps up the challenge with eight special stages totalling 120.22 kilometres, wrapping up with a double run of the Fujioka Super Special Stage. At just 3.19 kilometres, the Fujioka test is short but spectacular, with crowds expected to generate a memorable atmosphere around the circuit-style arena. Sunday brings the rally to a close with six final stages and 74.06 kilometres that will decide the overall result.
Gryazin's Championship Position and Opportunity
Heading into Rally Japan, Gryazin sits seventh in the WRC2 drivers' championship following round six of the season. Alongside co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov, the Bulgarian driver will be looking to make the most of an opportunity created by the absence of several key WRC2 title rivals, with the championship standings in this class potentially open to significant reshaping over the course of the weekend.
His record in Japan speaks for itself:
- WRC2 victory at Rally Japan in 2024
- Second place in both the 2023 edition and a previous edition of the event
- Now competing with the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale in his most recent WRC2 campaign
That kind of event-specific form is exactly what teams and co-drivers build long-term plans around, and Lancia Corse HF will be hoping Gryazin can convert that knowledge into another strong points haul.
Team Principal on the Challenge Ahead
Didier Clément, Team Principal of Lancia Corse HF, described the event as one that will demand full concentration from the entire outfit. He noted that despite a smaller field than usual, the level of competition remains extremely high, and that the team is committed to giving Gryazin and Aleksandrov every possible tool to fight for the best achievable result across all three days.
Mini FAQ: What You Need to Know About Gryazin at Rally Japan
Q: When does Rally Japan take place? A: The event runs from 28 to 31 May, with the ceremonial start on Thursday evening and competitive stages across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Q: What car is Gryazin driving? A: The Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, competing in the WRC2 class of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Q: Why is Gryazin considered one of the favourites in WRC2? A: He has won the WRC2 class at Rally Japan in 2024 and finished second in two other recent editions, making him one of the most experienced drivers on the Japanese stages in the field.
Rally Japan remains one of the standout events of the WRC season, and with Lancia back in the championship mix, the spotlight on Gryazin this weekend carries a little extra weight. Follow the action across all three days to see whether his Japanese expertise translates into another podium for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.