After suffering a puncture early in his home rally, Katsuta finished in fourth place, seven seconds behind M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux, who claimed the final podium spot.
Meanwhile, Katsuta’s teammates Elfyn Evans and Sebastien Ogier secured a one-two finish for Toyota in Japan, and the Japanese manufacturer celebrated the manufacturers’ championship on home soil.
Check out the final WRC standings here!
When Katsuta reached the finish line of the Power Stage, Toyota’s championship was not yet fully secured. At that moment, Katsuta expressed some disappointment.
“A lot of fans were here, and I’m very, very sorry for them because I wasn’t able to take the podium this time,” Katsuta said regretfully.
“It was such a difficult weekend for me mentally, but still, they supported me a lot. So, huge thanks to them. And of course, the team did a fantastic job,” the Japanese star added.
Katsuta then made a surprising remark.
“This time, I was very much on the limit (on the Power Stage). It could be my last rally, so I had to take care. Anyway, I hope to see you soon,” Katsuta said.
The interviewer asked Katsuta why he suggested this could have been his last rally.
“No, no, no. If something had happened, this could have been my last rally, I think. But I made it through, so huge thanks to the team. And Morizo-san, thank you so much,” Katsuta clarified, addressing Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda.
Toyota’s WRC team has yet to announce its driver line-up for next season, but Katsuta is expected to remain with Toyota.
More clarity is expected on Monday when Toyota is set to reveal its plans for the upcoming season.
