Latvala hails Taka's return to form

The Japanese starred on the final day of European WRC action of the season, celebrating a Super Sunday and Wolf Power Stage win in Passau. According to the Toyota GAZOO Racing team principal, Katsuta followed the plan to the letter.

“It was not easy for Takamoto,” said Latvala. “He’d been away from the driving for six weeks, no competition. He took this time and was using it like a reset during [Rally] Chile. When he came back he was driving exactly like we wanted him to.

“He was sensible and finding the confidence in the first day, then a little bit increasing the speed in the second day and then driving like more naturally on Sunday.

“We’re really happy for Taka – he came back and did exactly what we needed him to do.”

Katsuta remains part of Toyota’s manufacturer point-scoring line-up for the final round – his home event FORUM8 Rally Japan – where he starred with a sensational comeback drive 12 months ago.

Katsuta admitted his result had fed his confidence ahead of next month’s Toyota City-based event.

“The result from CER helps,” said Katsuta. “This is sure. It will be nice to go home.”