Katsuta’s season did not start off in the best possible way at Rally Monte Carlo. The Japanese driver slid off the road on an icy patch right at the beginning of the race, losing a significant amount of time.
Ultimately, the Japanese driver walked away from the opening round with nine championship points, but without the time lost in the ditch, the result could have been substantially better.
“I can’t be very satisfied with my performance. I made a stupid mistake,” Katsuta admitted to RallyJournal.com.
“After the mistake on Friday, the team and I decided that I had to finish and get some points. Therefore, I couldn’t take more risks in the difficult conditions and ended up losing even more time,” Katsuta reflected.
For next week’s Rally Sweden, Katsuta is seeking a top result. The Toyota driver has previously achieved a best finish of fourth place in the WRC’s winter rally.
In last year’s Rally Sweden, Katsuta rolled his car, which caused him to drop out of the lead battle. However, he managed to drive one stage win, indicating that he has the speed to compete for top positions around Umeå.
However, Katsuta also reminded that he faces extremely tough competition.
“Of course, I will attack at full throttle. But Kalle and ‘EP’ will also be there, meaning the proper Finns are joining in,” Katsuta referred to Kalle Rovanperä and Esapekka Lappi, who are participating in only part of the season.
“Because of them, it won’t be easy. But I will, of course, try my best.”
Toyota star Rovanperä and Hyundai driver Lappi will kick off their WRC season at the Swedish round, scheduled for February 15-18.
