Katsuta holds fourth after ten special stages – just 8.1 seconds behind rally leader and Toyota team-mate Kalle Rovanperä. The gap to the final podium spot, held by Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux, is only 0.4 seconds.
Although Katsuta set a fastest stage time on Friday and remained well in the fight, the Japanese driver was not entirely satisfied.
“I’m actually not completely happy. Of course, it was a good day, but there were small things – situations that weren’t necessarily mistakes. The conditions were challenging,” said Katsuta.
“For some reason, a couple of bumps threw me off the line and I lost a few seconds. I wasn’t totally happy with that, but anything can happen. We’re still here and there’s a long way to go. We just need to push tomorrow.”
On Saturday, Rally Finland continues with eight special stages, featuring two runs each through the Parkkola, Västilä, Päijälä, and Leustu tests. Katsuta is planning to give everything he’s got in pursuit of Fourmaux ahead of him, as well as Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville.
“Nothing is over yet. Tomorrow there are long stages ahead. Maybe that’s why I’m not satisfied – the situation could be better.”
Katsuta placed no blame on the car.
“The car is working well. I made some small fine-tuning changes between stages, as the conditions were variable and difficult. I don’t know which settings would’ve been the best, but at least the feeling was good all day.”
