Katsuta buoyed by Greek progress

The Japanese admitted he was always going into the 10th round of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship on the back foot after missing his pre-event test and then losing shakedown to the heavy rain which fell in the central Greece area. Despite those limitations and a double puncture on one stage, he still finished sixth and learned plenty.

Katsuta is most pleased with his step in pace compared with 2022, where he struggled to find speed against his rivals.

He said: “Compared to last year, the pace was much, much better. I’m not totally happy with my performance but I also found where I really need to improve on this kind of rally, so there are some positives and negatives and this will help me for the future.

“Going straight into the first stages, it was a big challenge for us but we could finish the rally. Thanks to the team as they did a great job.”

Toyota Gazoo Racing sporting director Kaj Lindström was impressed with Katsuta’s performance. He added: “He didn’t get to try the car until the rally began, so it was a really good job from him with nice driving. It was a pity about the double puncture in the same stage on Saturday, otherwise he could have finished higher. Still, being sixth overall, I would say he has done a really good job and can now look forward to Rally Chile.”