For years, Takamoto Katsuta has been knocking on the door of a breakthrough World Rally Championship victory. In Sweden, he pushed that door wide open, fighting for the win until the very last stage.
Just 3.8 seconds separated the Japanese ace from his Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Elfyn Evans, marking the closest Katsuta has ever come to tasting WRC glory. While he ultimately settled for second place, this was no ordinary runner-up finish.
Instead, it was a statement of intent—a performance that proved he can not only match the sport’s best but also thrive under relentless pressure. And now, Katsuta has vowed to push even harder in the battles to come.
Katsuta’s Epic Fight for Victory
Katsuta started Sunday morning’s final leg with one goal in mind: victory. And for a brief moment, it looked like it was within reach.
He snatched the lead on the first stage of the day, sending a clear message to Evans that he wasn’t backing down. But the dream was short-lived—on the following stage, Evans hit back with an emphatic response, leaving Katsuta trailing just before the decisive Umeå Power Stage.
With victory slipping out of reach, Katsuta made the pragmatic choice: secure the podium, bank crucial points, and bring the car home safely. It wasn’t the all-or-nothing approach that had led to heartbreak in the past. Instead, it was a mature, calculated drive, the kind that defines future WRC winners.
“It’s been a strong weekend for me,” Katsuta said.
“I was able to bring the car back and at the same time score a lot of points. That’s one of the happiest points for me.”
The Mental Leap: Why This Performance Matters
Rally Sweden wasn’t just about raw speed for Katsuta—it was about proving to himself that he could handle the pressure of a full-throttle, rally-long fight for victory.
The Toyota driver has often struggled in these high-stakes scenarios, where pushing to the limit without overstepping the mark is the ultimate challenge. But in Sweden, he found a new level of confidence and control.
“This is the first time I’ve been in such a tight battle the whole weekend—with Elfyn, and world champions like Neuville and Tänak,” Katsuta admitted.
“That was an incredible experience for me. There was pressure all the time, but surprisingly, I felt really relaxed.”
That newfound composure is what sets this performance apart. Rather than forcing the issue and risking disaster, Katsuta drove with instinct, letting the times come naturally.
A Shift in Mindset: From Desperate to Dangerous
Katsuta now acknowledges that he was once “too hungry” for his first WRC win, often pushing too hard and making costly mistakes. But in Sweden, he struck a balance between patience and aggression, delivering what he called a “clean rally.”
The turning point? A support network of rallying royalty.
“I’ve been working a lot with my engineers, Tom Fowler, and Sébastien Ogier has been helping me a lot,” he revealed.
“We talk quite a lot on the phone. And finally, it worked.”
Eight-time world champion Ogier’s influence is clear, as is the mentorship from fellow Toyota star Kalle Rovanperä—a driver who has made his own journey from raw talent to world-beating consistency.
What Comes Next? The First Win Feels Inevitable
After Sweden, Katsuta is no longer just a podium contender—he’s a serious threat for victory.
He’s learned how to manage risk, how to stay composed under extreme pressure, and—most importantly—how to keep his speed consistently at the level of the sport’s elite.
And now, he’s ready to take the next step.
“I’ve done one clean rally. Next time, I will try to do the same—but push more. Then let’s see what can happen.”
With the Safari Rally Kenya (March 20-23) up next, one of the most unpredictable and grueling events on the calendar, Katsuta could be on the verge of WRC history.
If Sweden was a warning shot, then his first WRC win might just be around the corner.
