Takamoto Katsuta has established himself as one of the great surprises of the World Rally Championship in 2021. The Japanese, Toyota Gazoo Racing’s fourth driver in the World Championship, is fifth in the championship, ahead of competitors like his teammate Kalle Rovanperä.
Its performance compared to other campaigns has improved remarkably. Katsuta achieved three sixth positions in the Rallies of Monte Carlo, Finland and Croatia, all in completely different conditions.
The Japanese took fourth place in the next two events, Portugal and Italy, breaking his best records so far in the championship. In Safari, last date, again prevailing consistency, “Taka” took a formidable second place, behind his teammate Sébastien Ogier.
And now?
It is the question that many people have asked themselves in recent weeks, because let us remember that Katsuta doesn`t score points for the official team, since he is the fourth driver. Team Principal Jari Mati Latvala has cleared up all doubts about the Japanese driver’s short-term future in the WRC.
Toyota has made the decision to continue in a similar way with the driver, so he will not drive for the main team in 2022. “It is different when you have to drive under pressure to score points. I would like to see him one more year working to develop the experience and speed in a kind of second team”, emphasizes Latvala.
Everything seems to indicate that Toyota will retain both Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä for 2022. Sébastien Ogier would reduce his racing program, appearing part-time at the WRC, but nothing is official at the moment. If so, Toyota would need a new driver to take turns in the Yaris WRC with the French champion.
Finally, speaking to DirtFish, Latvala has only praise for Katsuta, setting a goal in the second half of the year for him: “His progress is incredible, he has made very good steps. I hope to see him win, but there is no pressure for it this season. If there is a goal, it is to get on the podium in the second half of 2021″.
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