Katsuta says he is “impressed” by the Toyota before Monte-Carlo

Takamoto Katsuta gave his first sensations aboard the 1 version of the GR Yaris Rally2024, and the Japanese seems delighted with the developments made by the Japanese team.

Published 16/01/2024 à 12:04

Dorian Grangier

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Katsuta says he is “impressed” by the Toyota before Monte-Carlo

The Toyota testing in its black dress before Monte-Carlo © Bastien Roux / DPPI

For Takamoto Katsuta, the year 2024 must be that of confirmation. For the first time in his career WRC, the Japanese will play the full season with the factory team Toyota alongside Elfyn Evans, taking advantage of the alternation between Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä in the 3rd car. Supported by an entire team and an entire country, the 30-year-old driver will have to meet the expectations of the team based in Jyväskylä (Finland) with the GR Yaris Rally1.

Precisely, Takamoto Katsuta was able to discover the new iteration of the Japanese mount during private testing a few days before Rally Monte-Carlo (January 25-28), in various conditions (asphalt, ice, snow). And the least we can say is that the latter is impatient to start the season aboard the Yaris.

Feel it " convinced " that Toyota is even stronger than in 2023

“It was nice to be back in France in the mountains. This rally always marks the start of the season and the car is superb. Last year, in Monte-Carlo, the car gave good sensations and today I feel even more, because everyone is working very hard in the design office. I am convinced that we are even better than last year”, confided the Japanese.

“Every time you come back in this car you can feel differences, something is better with the car, He added. This feeling is nice and comes from the hard work of the team. We know that Monte-Carlo is one of the most difficult rallies, especially when it comes to tire choice, but we are very motivated and excited for the new season. »

The number 17 from Toyota remains on a good run at the Monte-Carlo Rally, with four consecutive finishes in the Top 8 since 2020, without however entering the Top 5. With the impoverishment of the field in Rally1 – and only 8 cars in the start of the event in the premier category – Takamoto Katsuta will no longer have excuses not to finish at the top of the ranking. His podium finish in Finland in 2023 and his three successive finishes in the Top 5 last season illustrate that the Japanese driver can obtain good results... but be careful not to overdo it.

ALSO READ > Toyota in action a few days before Monte-Carlo

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