Over the last three years, Katsuta has achieved strong results in Kenya, though the Japanese driver himself can hardly explain what lies behind these performances.
This time around, however, Kenya poses a greater challenge as the rally is held in its traditional slot during the rainy season.
“Somehow, I’ve managed to finish this rally the last three years. There were also, of course, big rocks, but something is matching me. I’ve achieved two podium finishes and one fourth place,” Katsuta told RallyJournal.com.
The Safari always presents surprises, but Katsuta has succeeded in keeping the car on the road and intact. The Japanese driver himself doesn’t know how he has managed it.
“No idea,” he said.
“I’ve just been lucky. But this year, it’s definitely a bigger challenge overall. I have to be more careful and patient than in previous years,” Katsuta outlined.
Katsuta has yet to win a WRC event in his career, but in Sweden, he was close, if not for an off-road excursion.
“Of course, that was the biggest disappointment of my career so far,” said Katsuta.
“But in this rally, I cannot start with the idea that I need to win here because otherwise, I am only creating difficulties for myself. I need to keep my feet on the ground and take it one step and stage at a time,” Katsuta predicted.
In Kenya, the balancing act between being cautious and driving hard is measured especially. It’s a huge challenge for every driver.
“But of course, if you’re too cautious, you’re also far from the lead. So this rally is very, very difficult in that sense – you need to push, but you cannot push too much. Finding the balance is difficult.”
