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Toyota dominates Monte shakedown: Takamoto Katsuta sets blazing pace before rally showdown

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 21, 2026
in Motorsports, WRC
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Toyota dominates Monte shakedown: Takamoto Katsuta sets blazing pace before rally showdown

Toyota Dominates Monte Carlo Shakedown: A Glimpse into Rallying’s Thrilling Comeback!

The roar of engines and the thrill of competition have returned as the World Rally Championship (WRC) kicks off its new season, and the Monte Carlo Rally is at the forefront of this exhilarating revival. Just eight weeks after the 2025 season finale in Saudi Arabia, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the iconic landscapes of Monaco and southern France beginning this Thursday. But the real fireworks ignited on Wednesday during a gripping 2.6-mile shakedown stage near Gap, where Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta surged ahead, leaving rivals in his dust.

In stark contrast, the leading Hyundai drivers struggled to find their footing, with Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux fumbling their way to ninth and fourteenth places, respectively. The dry conditions of the shakedown belied the icy and snowy challenges expected throughout the weekend, setting the stage for a classic Monte Carlo battle. Neuville, the reigning world champion, faced a daunting start when he hit a bank that left his car precariously teetering with a front-right wheel hanging off. A shaky beginning for a driver expected to shine, but Katsuta and Toyota basked in the limelight.

Katsuta’s blistering pace was undeniable, clocking an unbeatable time of 2m31.8s during his first run. “New season, fresh mind, I’ll just try my best to deliver the results,” he declared, brimming with confidence. This year holds immense significance for him, as he aims to outsmart the competition with strategic driving. His performance was particularly impressive, surpassing ten-time Monte Carlo winner Sébastien Ogier by an impressive 1.3 seconds, while also leaving Toyota’s new signing, Oliver Solberg, trailing behind.

Ogier, ever the optimistic veteran, expressed his contentment to be back at Monte Carlo, stating, “Monte Carlo is a special place. Sunshine today [but that] may be the last of the week, so let’s see what happens.” The reigning manufacturers’ champions, Toyota, occupied the top five slots, with Elfyn Evans and Sami Pajari also making their mark. Evans, finishing fourth, knows the unpredictable nature of the rally ahead. “It looks like a particularly challenging one,” he noted, encapsulating the uncertainty that always accompanies Monte Carlo.

M-Sport Ford’s Josh McErlean emerged as the fastest among his team, paving the way for a competitive atmosphere within the squad. Meanwhile, Grégoire Munster, making a rare appearance in the Puma Rally1, showcased his potential by claiming eighth place. “We just want to enjoy it, give it our best,” he remarked, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie that defines the sport.

In a remarkable twist, Hayden Paddon marked his return to the top-tier WRC after an eight-year hiatus, securing tenth place despite a heart-stopping moment when he briefly lost control on gravel. “This is going to be a tough rally – we’re definitely in the deep end,” he acknowledged, setting the tone for the challenging days ahead.

Adding to the excitement, Lancia made a sensational comeback to rallying after nearly 35 years, with its Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale impressively leading the way in its debut shakedown. Nikolay Gryazin piloted the machine to beat teammate Yohan Rossel, setting the stage for a thrilling competition among Rally2 vehicles.

As the countdown to the Monte Carlo Rally continues, fans and teams alike are gearing up for a weekend that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. With unpredictable weather and fierce competition, the rally is poised to deliver the heart-pounding action that motorsport enthusiasts crave. Buckle up—this season is bound to be a wild ride!

Tags: 2025-fia-world-rally-championship2025-toyota-usa-track-and-field-championshipshyundai-bossm-sport-fordmonte-carlo-rallynolan-arenados-rallying-crySébastien Ogiertakamoto-katsutasThierry Neuville
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