Takamoto Katsuta named to score points for Toyota in 2023

Toyota Gazoo Racing has chosen to promote the Japanese driver by occasionally integrating him into the trio responsible for defending the colors of Toyota in the Manufacturers' championship. In turn, the place which was occupied by Taka will soon be given to another driver.

Published on 18/11/2022 à 05:38

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Takamoto Katsuta named to score points for Toyota in 2023

Until before rally of Spain, the situation for 2023 was clear at Toyota. " Never change a winning team, Jari-Matti Latvala repeated to anyone who would listen. For the Finn, it was certain that Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans would play the full season while Sébastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi would share 3^e car. For his part, Takamoto Katsuta, had to continue his training with 14 rounds in a Yaris hybrid Rally1.

Introducing our line-up for 2023! 🤩@TakamotoKatsuta and @AaronJ_CoDriver earn promotion to the TGR WRT roster, sharing the car of @SebOgier and @vinzzlandais while continuing to drive the full #WRC season. 🤝

Read more: https://t.co/DNtrq7njhW #ToyotaGAZOORacing #GRYaris pic.twitter.com/JbLz8Ab9Py

— TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT (@TGR_WRC) November 18, 2022

At the end of the Catalan event, this beautiful arrangement began to falter. The announcement of departure byOtt Tänak from home Hyundai a créé un appel d’air vers le team installé à Alzenau. Alors qu’il semblait heureux de sa situation, Esapekka Lappi a rapidement été désigné comme le successeur de Tänak dans la i20 devant disputer tous les rallyes et le TGR s’est retrouvé dans l’obligation de trouver quelqu’un pour le remplacer sur le demi-programme vacant. La priorité pour Latvala était que le candidat ait déjà une expérience au volant d’une Rally1.

After studying all the profiles available on the market, the Japanese brand chose to place its trust in Takamoto Katsuta. Under the terms of its 2^e full season in the Yaris, the one that recently finished 3^e in Japan will therefore be responsible for scoring points for the Manufacturers' championship when Sébastien Ogier is absent. This promotion fits perfectly with the desires of those who live in Jyväskylä and who wanted to take a step forward in 2023 by aiming for the podium more regularly.

« I'm really excited to take this next step in my career, did he declare. Having this kind of role within the team has been a big goal for me and I want to thank TGR for giving me such an opportunity. Of course, it will bring a little more pressure than before, but I am very motivated to continue working hard to be ready. »

As is often the case in the transfer market, one movement leads to another and the rise of Taka-San should free up the seat of the 4th Toyota for 6 or 7 races. The team should soon appoint a driver to operate this Rally1.