Katsuta carried out pre-event testing last week for the season-opening Rally Monte Carlo. After the test, he flew straight to Japan, where he attended the Tokyo Auto Salon event over the weekend.
Katsuta took part in a talk show at the event and also entertained the crowd with a demo run, spinning donuts in Toyota’s rally car.
He left Japan later the same day and headed back to Europe for another test in Finland. Travelling from Europe to Japan and back again within such a short space of time would be a demanding task even for a more experienced traveller.
“Thank you to everyone who was concerned about me with such a tight schedule! I came to Auto Salon because I genuinely wanted to, and I’ve been able to enjoy it to the fullest, so there’s absolutely no problem at all,” Katsuta said on social media.
After the Rally1 test in Finland, Katsuta will be able to return briefly to his home in Monaco to prepare for Rally Monte Carlo, with reconnaissance already starting this coming Sunday.
Katsuta has set himself ambitious goals. He is still chasing his first career victory in the top category of the World Rally Championship.
“In terms of outright speed, I’m able to fight against my rivals, and my confidence in that area has grown. During the 2025 season, I finished second twice and was involved in the fight at the front, so I feel I’m just one step away now,” Katsuta said during the Tokyo Auto Salon talk show, according to Rallyplus.net.
“When you look at the championship standings, everyone ahead of me is a former champion. That shows how close I am. I feel that my first win is within reach, but that final step is a big one,” he added.
“Of course, winning is the goal, but I also want to firmly place myself in the top three of the championship. With a new car coming in 2027, I want to be in a position to fight for the title then, which is why I aim to be involved in the championship battle already this year,” Katsuta underlined.
Katsuta will have a new team-mate this season after Toyota signed Oliver Solberg to replace Kalle Rovanperä. The young Swede will also serve as a useful benchmark for Katsuta, having sensationally won Rally Estonia last summer. Toyota’s driver line-up is completed by reigning champion Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Sami Pajari.
“I’m sure Oliver is highly motivated, and I expect him to be a strong competitor within the team. As everyone knows, we compete on equal terms inside the team. Seb [Ogier] will also be aiming for what would be his tenth title, so my focus is on showing where I stand and delivering results in that environment,” Katsuta said.
