[Auto] Katsuta expected more from his arctic adventure

[SougarLord]

 

The Toyota Gazoo Racing promoted driver finished sixth in a Yaris, after battling with Sébastien Ogier and Oliver Solberg for much of the test. He matched his performance at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally in January, but the 27-year-old wanted better.

 

"I am happy with this weekend, but I wanted to show something else and I was hoping for a better position before the rally," said Katsuta.

 

"I really enjoyed the stages and in some I was the fastest, while in others I was too careful and I lost too much time. When the conditions were constant I felt very safe, but when there was loose snow or big ruts I needed to improve my handling. 

 

"I have to focus on this and improve if I want to get on the podium or win rallies. I still have a lot to learn and I am even more motivated than before."

 

Katsuta had more pre-test experience on the icy forest tracks surrounding Rovaniemi than any other frontline rider. He has competed in the Arctic Lapland Rally, a sister event to the WRC, on three occasions.

 

His mentor at Toyota, former factory driver Juho Hänninen, saw Katsuta's performance from a different perspective.

 

"From my point of view, this was the best rally Taka has ever done in the Yaris WRC. I know I was expecting a bit more and maybe a slightly better result," he said.

 

"But at the same time, the loss at the finish line compared to the drivers in front was quite small and clearly the smallest difference he has made in the WRC, so from that point of view the result is good as well. He has been able to drive. very consistently all the time, without making big mistakes.

 

"I could have driven faster, but I knew I had to go back a bit to have a clean race and be consistent, and that's very important. This kind of result will give you confidence for the future, I have no doubt," added Hänninen.