While Katsuta’s teammates, Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans, had the opportunity to fine-tune their equipment in last weekend’s Arctic Rally, Katsuta was not afforded the same chance.
Instead, Katsuta spent two days this week testing at the team’s testing ground. On Wednesday, the Japanese driver conducted a standard test, but Thursday brought a special task.
Katsuta got to experience Hankook’s new rally tires. Hankook will become the official tire supplier of the World Rally Championship next year.
Since the beginning of February, Hankook has been gathering important data on its tires under Finnish winter conditions. Last weekend, Hyundai driver Esapekka Lappi conducted an additional test day with the tire manufacturer’s new products, and Thursday was Katsuta’s turn.
Below is a brief video compiling clips from both Katsuta’s and Lappi’s tire tests.
During Katsuta’s test, Hankook’s features were evaluated under proper winter conditions, with temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit).
Pirelli will supply tires for the WRC until the end of this season. The Italian company did not apply for an extension, and Hankook was somewhat surprisingly selected as the new tire supplier for 2025-27.
The World Rally Championship season continues next week with the Swedish round.
