Katsuta has previously scored three podium finishes at the legendary event, but this year’s rally began on a sour note for the Japanese driver. He suffered a puncture on Friday morning’s opening stage but managed to climb back up the standings to fifth place by the end of the day.
However, the gap to rally leader and teammate Elfyn Evans has already grown to nearly three and a half minutes.
“I was trying to avoid the puncture again, but the last two stages were quite good. It was quite enjoyable to drive,” Katsuta said.
“Tomorrow is going to be maybe condition wise, even tougher. Still I’m fifth now. But anything can happen and everything is possible.”
Katsuta revealed that he was suffering from food poisoning on Friday – something that clearly affected his performance. He didn’t sleep at all during the night, so it’s no wonder his hotel bed was calling to him by the end of the day.
“Now it’s quite okay. It was second time I poisoned myself and I couldn’t go sleep at all last night. So now I am happy to go sleep big time,” Katsuta summed up.
On Saturday, Safari Rally continues with six special stages, totalling 146.5 kilometres. The event concludes on Sunday.
