Katsuta, option for promotion to Toyota WRC team

Katsuta finished third in the season that ended last weekend’s Rally Japan, capping off an impressive third year in the rally’s top tier.

The Japanese has proven to be one of the most consistent drivers in the championship this season, driving for Toyota’s junior team and recording one retirement en route to a career-best fifth place. I’m here.

The former circuit racer turned rally driver has scored points in every event except New Zealand this year and has 10 top 6 finishes including 3rd in Kenya and 3rd in Japan.

Last weekend’s podium meant Katsuta had achieved the goal set by the team for two podiums this year.

Katsuta’s performance has been noted within Toyota’s factory team, with Latvala suggesting that the 29-year-old Katsuta could be a promotion option next year.

Toyota expects to renew its lineup Esapekka Lappi set to replace Ott Tanak At Hyundai, he left a part-time role sharing a third factory car with Sébastien Ogier.

Asked if Katsuta will be rewarded for achieving his team’s goals, Latvala told Autosport:

“He’s done a consistent job and I think we can start thinking about him being an option for the main team as well. His results are very good.

“We are still negotiating what we will do next year. But hawk is an option.

“In fact, he was the most consistent and was able to pick up speed towards the end of the year. was regaining.”

When asked about his future within the Toyota organization, Katsuta said he didn’t know what his program would be like in 2023.

“I don’t know yet,” he said. “I heard from the team that next year they will be in the number 4 car of the season or something, but you never know what will happen.”