Katsuta had made a costly error in the previous WRC round in Kenya, crashing out on the final stage and throwing away a major points haul – both for himself and for the team.
In the Canary Islands, Katsuta delivered exactly what was needed, helping secure a 1-2-3-4 finish for Toyota. On Sunday, he also contributed to the team’s clean sweep of Super Sunday points, collecting two extra championship points for himself. The Japanese driver admitted the solid performance eased the mental pressure he had been carrying.
“”Confidence is so much better than before the rally. Like I said, it was such a difficult moment I had in the end of the Rally Kenya. This is what we wanted to make, a very consistent and good rally,” Katsuta said.
“And obviously for the team, it was the best run and best result for the team. I’m very proud and happy I was part of that.”
Kalle Rovanperä was in a class of his own in the Canary Islands. Katsuta had no answer to his teammate’s pace, but nonetheless delivered a clean, mistake-free drive.
“Personally it was not so easy to start the weekend. I was struggling a lot with a car, but at the end it was quite comfortable with the car and everything.”
“”Only thing that missing a bit of the pace. But this is what we planned for this rally before I came here. For sure there is a small step forward to gain more time, but there is always risk. So we wanted to make consistent and a good rally. This is exactly what I have done this weekend. So thanks to the team and next one should be much easier.”
For Katsuta, the key is rebuilding trust in his own abilities. He has the speed, but things have too often gone wrong due to trying too hard.
“”Still small, very small details which was missing a bit on this weekend. I think it was mainly coming from my commitment because I was not really pushing on the limit. Many, not many place like few places but I was really not really on it. And then I can see how much I’m losing time in 1 or 2 corners,” Katsuta reflected.
“I’m still pretty confident that the pace is okay, but I just need to keep consistent and bringing the result and the car back to the rallies. I think this is the most important for me now.”
