Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Wins 2026 Asia Cross Country Rally
Taguchi and Yasui secure a second consecutive AXCR victory for Mitsubishi, making history as the first Japanese driver and co-driver pairing to win the rally.
eam Mitsubishi Ralliart has secured overall victory at the 2026 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) in Thailand, marking its second consecutive win in the event.
Competing with three Mitsubishi Triton T1-specification pickup trucks, Katsuhiko Taguchi and co-driver Yasui took the overall victory after completing the 2,145.19km rally in 12 hours, 58 minutes and 20 seconds. Their winning margin was 2 minutes and 25 seconds.
The result also marks the first overall AXCR victory for a Japanese driver and co-driver pairing.
Now in its 31st edition, the AXCR is one of Southeast Asia’s most demanding cross-country rallies. This year’s route featured 921.80km of Special Stages, taking competitors through jungles, plantations, rocky sections, river crossings and deep mud under Thailand’s hot and humid conditions.
Taguchi Takes Control
Taguchi made a strong start to the rally, finishing third overall in the opening stage despite challenging conditions caused by heavy rain. The Triton’s ability to tackle water-filled sections helped him maintain a competitive pace.
He then set the fastest time in Leg 3 to move into the overall lead, initially holding just an eight-second advantage over his closest rival.
Rather than taking unnecessary risks, Taguchi and Yasui focused on maintaining a consistent pace while avoiding punctures and navigational errors. By the end of Leg 5, the pair had extended their advantage to more than five minutes.
With only 58.62km of Special Stage remaining on the final day, the duo adopted a measured approach and safely brought the Triton to the finish to secure the overall victory.
Strong Performance Despite Setbacks
Mitsubishi Motors employee driver Kazuto Koide endured a difficult opening stage after getting stuck in a roadside ditch and receiving a timeout penalty. He recovered throughout the rally, supporting his teammates while improving his pace, including an eighth-fastest stage time in SS5. Koide eventually finished 27th overall.
Defending champion Chayapon Yotha also faced several setbacks. A puncture during the rocky sections of Leg 2 cost valuable time, followed by another tyre change after an impact in Leg 4 and engine trouble during Leg 5.
Despite the difficulties, Yotha completed the rally and finished 36th overall.
Triton Put to the Test
The challenging conditions provided a demanding test for the Triton, with the team highlighting improvements to its handling, low-rpm torque and shift control.
Taguchi praised the Triton’s improved handling, saying it allowed him to follow his intended lines while avoiding punctures. Koide similarly noted improved control in stop-and-go sections while maintaining strong performance at higher speeds.
Team Director Hiroshi Masuoka credited the victory to the team’s commitment and teamwork, while highlighting the role motorsport experience plays in developing Mitsubishi Motors’ production vehicles and engineers.
With its back-to-back AXCR victories, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart continues to demonstrate the Triton’s capability in some of the toughest off-road conditions in motorsport.
