Toshi Arai failed to do enough to sow up the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship title on the Rally Japan at the weekend.

Arai went into his home event looking good, with a 24-point lead - however things didn't go to plan for the Japanese driver, who also won the PWRC title back in 2005.

Indeed he had a difficult rally in his Group N Impreza and experienced five punctures in total. It was an off-road excursion on day 1 in SS7 though, while leading, that ultimately put a stop to him taking the crown as he picked up 20 minutes worth of penalties.

In the end he finished tenth in the PWRC category, 22 minutes 12.7 seconds off the winner - and around 17 minutes off P5, which would have given him enough points to clinch the Production honours.

Arai, who has now taken in all six of his nominated events, will have to wait and see if his total of 39 points is enough to keep him top, as Gabriel Pozzo and Mark Higgins, both remain in contention as they still have two of their nominated events to come and that could mean Arai won't know if he has won the title until December 2, when the Wales Rally GB comes to an end.

“It has been the rally of punctures for us. We had to slow down twice and to change the wheel three times. It was like a survival course. It felt like Greece,” said Toshi at the finish.

“Now my P-WRC programme is over and we have to wait until the end of the season to see if we make it [and secure the title again].”