Takamoto Katsuta narrows the gap in a breakout season
It is finally happening. Takamoto Katsuta is no longer just a reliable pair of hands; he is a genuine title contender. After a gritty performance at the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, the 33-year-old has clawed his way to within 11 points of his teammate and current points leader, Elfyn Evans. Coming into the rally, the deficit was 20 points, but Katsuta’s fourth podium finish of the season has tightened the championship fight significantly.
What makes this result so beautiful is the sheer intelligence behind it. Starting second on the road in Greece is a death sentence for most, yet Katsuta navigated the treacherous, rough gravel stages with the poise of a veteran. While others fell victim to the usual tyre issues and misfortune that define this rally, he stayed the course. He admitted there were some tyre delaminations, but he avoided the nightmare of changing tyres mid-stage. It was not about setting the fastest time on every pass; it was about being there when it counted.
As Katsuta himself put it, "If I say I’m not looking at [the championship] at all, then it is not true. It is going very well." It is refreshing to hear such honesty. His progression is undeniable, fueled by a breakout season that includes two wins, notably his emotional maiden victory at the Safari Rally Kenya this past March. Compared to his previous campaigns since moving to the WRC’s top tier in 2021, he is currently smashing his best tally at this stage of the season by 70 points.
Consistency is the hallmark of a champion, and along with co-driver Aaron Johnston, Katsuta has become the only Rally1 crew to finish every event inside the top seven. This was their explicit target for the year, and they are executing it to perfection. You have to admire the focus; they set out to collect points, and that is exactly what they have done.
Now, the calendar turns to high-speed, smooth gravel. With Delfi Rally Estonia and Secto Rally Finland on the horizon, Katsuta is setting his sights even higher. He knows the road cleaning penalty will be difficult, but he is ready to take the fight to the likes of Evans and Seb Ogier. "I just need to prepare more and work out where I can push more and where I shouldn’t," he said. If he continues to balance that aggression with this newfound consistency, he might just pull off something truly special.