There are many kilometers to go, but Takamoto Katsuta is showing that he has taken a step forward with the Toyota Yaris WRC. The races pass and the Japanese is finding more comfortable with a car of the highest category. He sleeps seventh after the first day of competition in Finland.
The Japanese already gave us small glimpses of his rhythm at the Monza Rally and at Monte Carlo in a few weeks. Today, under really difficult and different conditions, he has kept the type. He finds himself in the middle of a fight with several direct rivals from other teams.
Teemu Suninen, Elfyn Evans and Thierry Neuville (the latter two with the worst starting position) are ahead but close, just seconds behind the Japanese. Of course, there are two days of competition left and he must maintain his confidence to play a great role.
Oliver Solberg, Sébastien Ogier and Gus Greensmith are right behind Katsuta and Barrit. We must also highlight the role of the young Swedish rookie who, in his first career with the WRC, is showing that he is talented enough to win the official wheel sooner rather than later.
| 4. |  | Neuville/Wydaeghe – Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC | +29.8 |
| 5. |  | Evans/Martin – Toyota Yaris WRC | +32.0 |
| 6. |  | Suninen/Markkula – Ford Fiesta WRC | +34.5 |
| 7. |  | Katsuta/Barritt – Toyota Yaris WRC | +38.8 |
| 8. |  | Solberg/Marshall – Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC | +45.9 |
