Following a disappointing run, the Japanese team sidelined Katsuta for the Rally Chile. Now, with time to recharge, Katsuta is aiming for a balanced performance in this season’s penultimate rally. The focus will be on consistency rather than aggressive moves, as previous events have shown the risks of overextending.
“I’m looking forward to being back in the car and driving on a totally different surface for the last two rallies of the year. I really like driving on asphalt and I hope to find a good feeling and perform well,” Katsuta anticipates.
“Central European Rally is a big challenge for everybody with a lot of surface changes and dirt on the road. Last year, the Friday on Czech roads was especially difficult with rain and a lot of cuts,” he recalls.
While Katsuta is familiar with the rally from last year, his goal is to finish without any further mishaps. There’s no more room for setbacks.
“With that experience it should be easier to return this year but there will still be many new stages, so we need to focus on making good pacenotes and communicating well with our route note crew,” Katsuta emphasizes.
“I will try to be patient, be there to score points for the team and if everything goes well, it will be easier for me to push at Rally Japan.”
The Central European Rally covers 18 stages, totaling over 300 kilometers, and concludes on Sunday.
