During a guest appearance on an ABEMA broadcast covering Rally Paraguay—a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) that concluded on August 30—Olympic gold medalist and prominent Japanese judoka Uta Abe discussed her passion for American automobiles, highlighting a high-performance vehicle equipped with over 300 horsepower that she purchased despite its manufacturer having already exited the Japanese market.
Uta Abe Discusses Automotive Passion on WRC Broadcast
Appearing as a guest commentator for ABEMA’s coverage of Rally Paraguay, Uta Abe shared details regarding her automotive preferences with viewers. The Paris 2024 Olympic champion in the women’s 52kg judo category revealed that she drives a high-powered American car boasting more than 300 horsepower.
According to Abe’s remarks on the program, she specifically sought out a model from a brand that has already withdrawn its retail operations from Japan. This rare choice on Japanese roadways underscores an enthusiasm for muscle cars and distinct vehicle engineering that runs parallel to her elite athletic career on the tatami.
Exploring the Rally Stage and WRC Context
The broadcast centered on the grueling terrain of Rally Paraguay, a high-stakes fixture on the WRC calendar that tests drivers and machinery across demanding gravel stages. Abe’s presence on the ABEMA broadcast brought a crossover appeal, connecting elite combat sports discipline with the precision and nerve required in motorsports.
While discussing the competitive action in South America, the conversation naturally drifted toward automotive culture, giving fans a rare glimpse into the garage of one of Japan’s most recognizable sports figures. The vehicle’s robust engine output exceeding 300 horsepower represents a stark contrast to typical commuter vehicles favored in urban Japan, emphasizing an appreciation for raw mechanical performance.
Next Checkpoint in the WRC Calendar
The World Rally Championship continues its grueling season following the conclusion of Rally Paraguay on August 30, with teams and organizers preparing for the next scheduled international gravel and tarmac showdowns. Fans can follow official race updates, stage times, and driver standings directly through the WRC’s official platform.
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