Takamoto Katsuta eyes sustained performance after maiden WRC victory

Takamoto Katsuta has enjoyed a career-best start to the WRC season, securing 55 points across the first three rounds. Following a seventh-place finish in Monte-Carlo and a runner-up result in Sweden, the Toyota driver achieved his first-ever victory in Kenya. This result moves him to third in the championship standings, just 11 points adrift of team-mate and series leader Elfyn Evans.

Despite the momentum, Katsuta remains measured regarding his long-term prospects. He maintains that his current focus is strictly on maximizing performance at each individual event rather than tracking championship points. The Japanese driver credited his development to the unwavering support from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda and his fans, noting that delivering results under significant pressure was essential to his growth.

Co-driver Aaron Johnston believes the breakthrough win serves as a psychological turning point for the pair. Having finally secured a victory on one of the calendar's most demanding stages, Johnston stated that the pressure has been alleviated, allowing the duo to approach the remainder of the 2026 season with renewed confidence.