Katsuta has only occasionally found top-level pace. For instance, at Rally Sweden in February, he delivered a brilliant performance to finish second and was in the fight for victory until nearly the end.
However, most of the season has been more about collecting mileage than chasing results. While Katsuta has demonstrated his qualities as a team player, there comes a time when raw pace must also be shown again.
Rally Finland, at least on paper, should suit Katsuta well. He knows the fast gravel roads of Central Finland from years of experience.
“Finland is a special place for me: I lived there for many years and learned so much and have many friends there, so I think of this event as being a second home rally for me,” said Katsuta, who now resides in Monaco.
“I usually have a very good feeling on the Finnish stages and it’s of course an important rally for the team as well,” the Japanese driver added.
Katsuta has one particularly strong result from Finland under his belt. In 2023, he finished third. But this year, his sights are set even higher.
“It was really nice for me to finish on the podium there two years ago and I want to aim to have an even better rally this time. I hope we can make another step forward with our performance and will just try to push as much as I can and enjoy,” Katsuta declared.
Rally Finland will be held in Jyväskylä and its surrounding areas from 31 July to 3 August.
