After years of near-misses, including five frustrating runner-up finishes, Thierry Neuville could finally celebrate a first FIA World Rally Championship drivers’ title at the season-closing Rally

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 shrugged off the heavy tag of rallying's nearly man to win his first world championship on Sunday while Toyota sealed the manufacturers' crown on a dramatic final day of the season in Japan.

Ott Tanak extended his Rally Japan lead on Saturday, but all eyes were on his Hyundai teammate, Thierry Neuville (above), as he vaulted up the leaderboard to put himself within touching distance

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.

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.

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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.