The event saw Sébastien Loeb clinch his fifth consecutive world drivers title with his drive to a third-place finish.

Second place went to Hirvonen's teammate Jari-Matti Latvala, his fifth podium of the year and his first since the Rally of Turkey back in June.

Duval was not injured in the crash, but his co-driver Patrick Pivato sustained a fractured pelvis and tibia.

The event was originally planned to run on October 24−26, but as to make full use of venues, including the Sapporo Dome, with its tenant the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters possibly needing it for the Japan Series, the event was approved by FIA to be delayed for a week.

[3] The Sapporo Dome Super Special Stage was the second to be held in indoor venues in WRC history.