Takamoto Katsuta disappointed with his Rally of Japan but philosophical: "Forget and move on"

Already a two-time winner in 2026, Takamoto Katsuta hoped to shine in front of his home crowd at Rally Japan. The local driver ultimately finished just off the podium after a difficult weekend.

Published 31/05/2026 à 12:47

Valentin GLO

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Takamoto Katsuta disappointed with his Rally of Japan but philosophical: "Forget and move on"

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Winner of the Safari Rally and the Rally from Croatia in this 2026 season, Takamoto Katsuta (ToyotaHe arrived at the Rally of Japan with high ambitions. The driver from Nagakute (Japan) hoped at least to finish on the podium in his home event, but a puncture on Friday dashed his hopes.

« It's been a very difficult week, to be honest. the person in question declared on Sunday to AUTOhebdo. It started very badly. I was expecting good results and good moments here, but right from the start, I had a puncture and struggled on Friday morning. We lost almost a minute to the leader, so it was one of the worst days I've had this season. »

« That's life, it happens sometimes. nevertheless, the local philosopher of the stage. And it was good to come back stronger that Friday. We had a good pace yesterday (Saturday), and today (Sunday) was much better. So yes, it's good to pick up points for the championship. "A championship where he occupies second place, 20 points behind his teammate Elfyn Evans, winner of the Rally of Japan.

Having finished fourth in this seventh round of the season, Takamoto Katsuta is not giving up for the rest of the campaign. Of course, I'm very disappointed not to have been able to get on the podium, but as I said, that's life, it happens sometimes. he concluded. I just have to keep going — bad days happen. I have to forget and move on. »

He will have the opportunity to do so from June 25 to 28 with the Acropolis Rally in Greece.

Interview conducted by Pierre Barré, in Japan.

ALSO READ > Elfyn Evans wins the Rally Japan ahead of Sébastien Ogier

Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

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