Takamoto Katsuta switched to Monaco in Jyväskylä.
Takamoto Katsuta drove the best result of his career in the Swedish World Rally. Zumawire / mvphotos
The situation seemed really miserable.
Takamoto View had just been informed of the Toyota leadership that his contract would be terminated if he did not bring his car to the finish line.
From these settings, we had to start the race in front of their own home audience in Japan last November.
– I was told exactly that I had to finish or otherwise my contract would no longer be a sure thing. It was a mental disaster. I just wanted to escape from the scene, Katsuta tells Iltalehti now.
– It was a really horrible feeling.
He did what was asked for. Watch came fourth in the race, and the sympathetic driver was able to keep his job.
– Seb (Ogier) and Elfy (Evans) did super work by ensuring the manufacturers’ world championship, and I was able to keep my job.
– I’m happy with how it ended.
“Disappointed with myself”
In Sweden, Katsuta was really close to the first World Championship win of her career. He led the rally while leaving for the second last special stage.
– I am disappointed that I didn’t dare to risk it then. I drove purely, but maybe I was just too careful and couldn’t answer Elfyn.
The Welshist forged a soaring base time for Västervik’s second bet. He left a look at 8.2 seconds and cemented his victory.
– At Power Stage, I just thought about stable points.
View thanks the team manager Jari-Matti Latvala The fact that he kept the winning battle open until the end.
– He only advised me to drive according to my knowledge.
Hunting for the first rally win will continue in March from Kenya. The Japanese was in second place last year, so the Safari Rally should fit him at least as well.
– Now there is at least one good rally behind. Maybe next time I can press full in a similar situation.
Thanks Finland
The pace was right last year in Sweden. Then the victory was flowing Esapekka for Laplandbecause the Japanese in the top battle slipped their Toyota deep into the snow bench with a special stage of Sarsjöliden.
Surprisingly, Katsuta has become some of the best winter drivers in the whole series.
– All this is because I lived in Finland. There is no other reason: Finland made me strong on snow.
Watch and their family lived in Jyväskylä for nine years before he recently moved his friend Kalle Rovanperä Neighbor Monaco.
– Such a result and a steady presentation give me more confidence.