WRC
Rovanperä beams with pride over Katsuta’s breakthrough drive
Two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä has hailed team-mate and close friend Takamoto Katsuta’s performance at Rally Sweden, where the Japanese driver came agonisingly close to his first victory.
Katsuta delivered the drive of his career in Umeå, pushing hard to finish just 3.8 seconds shy of a maiden triumph. While the win ultimately went to Elfyn Evans in another GR Yaris Rally1, Rovanperä was among the first to applaud his team-mate’s rapid pace.
With the FIA World Rally Championship now gearing up for Safari Rally Kenya (20 - 23 March), Rovanperä remains confident Katsuta’s breakthrough win is only a matter of time.
You can see how everything is working for him - the car is flowing, and he’s taking some very good confidence
“I was really proud of Taka,” he said. “I was hoping he was going to get his first win, but at the same time, I’m really happy Elfyn brought it home with really good points for the team from those guys.
“But Taka has been doing such a good job. You can see how everything is working for him - the car is flowing, and he’s taking some very good confidence. He’s stronger in the mindset and in the approach now. He knows how to keep the pace and the consistency. I hope he will take the first win soon.”
Katsuta has shown flashes of brilliance on Safari in the past, racking up three podiums from four starts.
Takamoto Katsuta, Rally Sweden 2025
© Toyota GAZOO Racing
