What does the reigning champion want going into the next year’s edition? To repeat, obviously. What if said champion has multiple entries? Put all of them on the top of the leaderboard, of course.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart is still riding the high off winning the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally with Chayapon Yotha, a successful bounceback after a frustrating end to 2024. For 2026, the team is going for a higher goal.

“This year, we are aiming for a 1–2 finish with Yotha and Taguchi,” team director Hiroshi Masuoka said.

The team unveiled its 2026 AXCR-contending Triton at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March. Yotha, Katsuhiko Taguchi, and Kazuto Koide will each drive Tritons with Peerapong Sombutwong, Takahiro Yasui, and Eiji Chiba as their respective navigators.

A new livery was implemented, combining the digital sandstorm pattern from the previous year’s Triton with a new red base that’s loosely based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Pajero that raced the WRC and Dakar Rally.

Despite not winning a stage in 2025, Yotha’s consistency and limited mechanical issues earned him his second AXCR victory after 2022. Taguchi was fourth in T1D and fifth overall with a stage win. Koide placed 14th in class and 22nd overall in a supporting role.

“Last year, Yotha delivered a consistent performance, finishing near the top of every leg without major setbacks,” Masuoka continued. “He took the overall lead on the third day and stayed out front through the finish to secure the victory. The Triton’s outstanding reliability, combined with its exceptional handling and off-road strength, allowed him to push through the toughest stages with confidence and control. Even in sections with brutal terrain, he overcame the challenges with support from his teammates.

“Taguchi also demonstrated Triton’s competitiveness by setting the fastest time on Leg 5, the longest leg of the rally. We have continued to refine the vehicle while staying true to its core concept, and we will enter this year’s AXCR with the same thorough preparation as last season.”

Featured image credit: Mitsubishi Motors