Winter conditions proved a major challenge for the drivers in Monte Carlo. Katsuta’s rally was further complicated by punctures and a power steering failure.
“This was one of the most difficult Rally Monte Carlo in maybe ten years. Every day there was a lot of slush, ice or big challenges. But at least we finished the rally,” Katsuta sighed in an interview with RallyJournal.com.
“Obviously, we lost a lot of time on day two with the puncture and the power steering. That’s why I’m not super happy with the finish, and the feeling is not really positive at the moment. But it could have been worse,” the Japanese driver added.
At one stage, Katsuta had dropped outside the points, but he managed to recover to seventh place. In the end, he scored six World Championship points from the opener.
“Six points is not so bad after so many things happened during the weekend.”
Katsuta gave a blunt answer when RallyJournal.com asked whether he could take anything positive away from Rally Monte Carlo.
“No,” was his one-word response.
Katsuta has higher expectations heading into the second round of the season, which will be held in Sweden in two weeks’ time. Last year, Katsuta finished second on the snow in Sweden and fought all the way to the end for his first WRC victory.
“I think this rally, I really cannot find any positives. Or maybe that we finished the rally in P7 after all the difficulties. But now I just need to forget about it, because Sweden is totally different,” Katsuta said.
Rally Sweden will be held from 12–15 February.
