WRC
Rovanperä, Tänak proud of Katsuta as service park reacts to new WRC winner
World champions Kalle Rovanperä and Ott Tänak have expressed their pride in seeing close friend Takamoto Katsuta score a maiden FIA World Rally Championship victory at Safari Rally Kenya.
n his 94th WRC start, Katsuta finally achieved the dream of standing on the top step of a WRC podium. The Toyota driver, co-driven by Aaron Johnston, claimed victory in one of the most challenging rallies in recent history.
As one of the most likeable and hard-working characters in the WRC, it came as no surprise that the win was warmly received by fans and those across the rally community.
Katsuta’s close friend, former Toyota team-mate and two-time WRC champion Rovanperä has witnessed the highs and lows of his journey to WRC glory. The Finn paid tribute to Katsuta’s breakthrough victory, having nervously watched on from home.
“I’m really happy to see Taka get his win. It was super exciting to watch the last day and I was definitely much more nervous myself than probably when I was driving or fighting for wins – that tells you how excited I was and how important it was for me also,” said Rovanperä.
“Personally I have been with Taka many, many years for the good moments and the bad moments, for both of us. We have been supporting each other so much and going through those ups and downs. It is always really emotional to see him get it [the win].
“It is really deserved, especially this year and in these conditions where you struggle even to get through.
“It is fully deserved. It was really well done and I can’t wait to see Taka go and celebrate this win. I’m really proud of him.”
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In an emotional stage-end interview, Katsuta broke down in tears as he realised the enormity of becoming a WRC winner - and the fact he is the first Japanese driver to win since Kenjiro Shinozuka (Rallye Côte d'Ivoire) in 1992.
At the finish, Katsuta was quick to thank Johnston, his Toyota team, his family and 2019 world champion Tänak. Katsuta revealed on the eve of the season opener in Monte-Carlo that close friend Tänak has been offering valuable support this year.
Katsuta disclosed that the Estonian had been getting up in the early hours while watching from home during Safari Rally week to offer support throughout the event.
“It was very tough but luckily Ott was also helping me a lot. He was saying ‘this pace is ok and continue like this’ and when it was muddy he said ‘not to push in this section’ on every single stage. So I really appreciate how he supported me,” said Katsuta.
Tänak was quick to post on social media congratulating Katsuta.
“I am really proud of you my friend! I know how much this means to you and how much work is behind it. First one in the books and now eyes forward. Well done Taka-san,” read Tänak’s post.
Katsuta has since been flooded with congratulatory messages from across the service park and beyond. His Toyota team-mates could not hide their appreciation, having witnessed years of dedication and determination.
“Everybody likes Taka and everybody gets on with him. At the end of the day he has worked very, very hard and is very deserving of the win, so I’m very happy for him and Aaron,” said championship leader Elfyn Evans.
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Monte-Carlo winner Oliver Solberg added: “Fantastic. If you ask in the service park who they want to win, it is definitely Taka. It is incredible, all the hard work he has put in and the passion he has. As a Solberg I love the passion. He really deserves this and to see this joy. The first win is always very special.”
Hyundai Motorsport’s Thierry Neuville added: “It is a great victory for Taka and he has been very patient, but he did it, so well done to him. He really deserves this — he has always been strong here in Kenya.”
The comments have not been lost on Katsuta.
“I really appreciate that even rivals in a different team were cheering me and saying congrats to me, so I really appreciate all of the people. That is something special.
“I really appreciated all of the messages. With Kalle we are chatting almost every day and he said he was quite nervous [watching from home] as well. Ott was waking up earlier than me and when I sent him a message he was straight away replying. There was so much support from them.
“I always wanted to be on the top of the podium like they [Kalle and Ott] did, and I had never been there. Finally I get to stand in the same place. It was very special.”
