Takamoto Katsuta, benched for last month’s Rally Chile after a series of mid-season mistakes, has opened up about his time away from competition and his determination to repay the faith Toyota has shown in him. Returning to the GR Yaris Rally1 for the final rounds of the season, the Japanese driver spoke about his pre-event Tarmac test and the invaluable support he’s received from his team.
“It was good to be back,” Katsuta said of the test session. “Although it was pretty wet, I still gained valuable mileage. I didn’t get to drive in completely dry conditions, but it seems the rally will be dry, which could work in our favor. It felt great to be back behind the wheel.”
Reflecting on his challenging month away from the rally car, Katsuta expressed his deep gratitude for the encouragement from his teammates and technical crew.
“The Team’s Support Means Everything”
Katsuta, who is set to compete in the final two rounds of the season, emphasized how the team’s belief in him has been a driving force in his recovery. “I really feel the team behind me, and now I have to deliver results to repay them for their support. I appreciate the encouragement from my fellow drivers like Séb [Ogier], Kalle [Rovanperä], and Elfyn [Evans], but also from the technical side. People like Tom Fowler, Kévin Struyf, and other engineers have been incredible. They’ve supported me not only as an engineer but on a personal level.”
The 30-year-old described how the team’s expertise provided him with a fresh perspective, helping him regain his focus and confidence. “These guys see things differently—they view it from an engineering angle, and sometimes they told me things I hadn’t considered myself. Their guidance is what will help me come back stronger.”
Missing Rally Chile: A Test of Patience and Perspective
Katsuta admitted that sitting out Rally Chile was tough, despite his efforts to disconnect. “I tried to switch off and not watch, but it’s hard to ignore the passion I have for this sport. I found myself checking in and watching a little bit.” He revealed how the challenging period also helped him identify who was truly there to support him, both within and outside Toyota.
“This situation has been difficult, but it’s shown me where the support is. People from other teams even reached out, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Now, I want to repay those who have stood by me.”
CER and Rally Japan: Building Confidence for a Homecoming
Looking ahead to the upcoming Central European Rally (CER), Katsuta shared his approach to easing back into competition. “For CER, I need to focus on my driving and not worry about the result. It’s about building my confidence for my home rally in Japan next month.”
Admitting his frustration over past mistakes, he emphasized the importance of harnessing his speed and turning it into consistent results. “I’ve been stressed and frustrated, not just because of the mistakes but because I know I have the speed. My goal now is to channel that into a good performance.”
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Rally Japan
When asked about the added pressure of Toyota’s bid for a fourth consecutive manufacturers’ title, Katsuta remained focused. “Japan is going to be huge pressure, regardless of the championship. I know what to expect, and my main aim is to make the team and Toyota proud.”
Katsuta’s heroics at last year’s Rally Japan—where he fought back from a tough start to dominate the stages—serve as a reminder of his capabilities. Now, with Toyota’s unwavering support and his own determination, he’s aiming for a triumphant return on home soil.
