Takamoto Katsuta can count on Sébastien Ogier to progress

In his fifth full season with Toyota in the WRC, the Japanese driver is having a rather difficult year. If his pure speed is there, as evidenced by his podium in Kenya, the 31-year-old driver still makes too many mistakes, which relegate him to seventh in the championship.

Published on 08/08/2024 à 13:00

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Takamoto Katsuta can count on Sébastien Ogier to progress

A new example of this observation took place last weekend during the Rally from Finland. Fourth after the first four stages, Katsuta hit a tree in the fifth timed section. The Japanese was able to bring his Yaris back at the end of the special, but he had to abandon the rest of the day, returning to the road on Saturday, obviously very far from the points which were then out of reach. However, Takamoto Katsuta's debut in the premier category of rallying was not of this caliber, with for example a 2022 season marked by only one retirement, in New Zealand.

However, it seems that gradually, the pilot Toyota has managed to increase his level of play. But this increasing speed corresponds to greater risk-taking, which has led to some exits over the last two seasons. Fortunately, Katsuta has a goldmine of information and advice on his own team, in the form of Sébastien Ogier, eight-time world champion in the discipline.

« I just wanted to ask Seb what he thought, because he's an eight-time world champion and he's got a lot of experience.", explained Katsuta to WRC official website. « He's seen a lot of different drivers and had a lot of different teammates. We're very open-minded, so I just wanted to ask him what I was missing. For example, why do I make these mistakes, and all these kinds of little mistakes. IHe told me that actually the speed is there and if there is no speed it's a bigger problem. But he told me I had the speed and I just had to manage that speed to keep going, but not rush too much. »

Lots of advice for Katsuta to digest

Confusing speed with haste is something that has trapped many drivers in the past. But if we are to believe Katsuta, this is not the only advice the French pilot gave him. He'll just keep the rest to himself... « CThat was great advice, but I don't want to say too much. He gives me so many tips and advice. Yes, I will talk to him about it again. I have to work hard to improve myself. »

There are now four rallies remaining in this 2024 season, so many chances for Takamoto Katsuta to put into practice the advice given by Sébastien Ogier!

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