Could Japan deliver the ultimate WRC homecoming?

Takamoto Katsuta has come close to scoring a breakthrough World Rally Championship win and there would be no better way to achieve this goal than on home soil in Japan this week.

The Japanese driver, who has finished second four times during his WRC career, will once again carry the hopes of nation this week as he bids to achieve a maiden WRC win, and in doing so become the first Japanese driver to win Rally Japan outright.

Rally Japan’s challenging asphalt stages have proved to be bittersweet for the 32-year-old. In 2022 he delivered an impressive run to third in front of his adoring home crowd, but in the last two years misfortune has hampered his victory hopes. In 2023, Katsuta claimed more stage wins than any of his rivals, reeling off 10 fastest times to finish fifth after losing time to a spin on Friday, while last year he finished fourth after recovering from an early puncture.

This year there is momentum behind Katsuta following a strong run to fourth at the Central European Rally held on asphalt stages last month.

However, taking victory on home soil will prove a challenge given the WRC title race is in full swing, with 13 points separating his Toyota team-mates Elfyn Evans, Sebastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanpera. All three of Katsuta’s stablemates will be desperate to stand on the top step of the podium to move one step closer to the world title.

Despite there ongoing title battle, Katsuta has his targets firmly set on securing a victory that would serve up one of the championship’s feel good stories of the year.

“Japan is very important for me and the team, and at the same time there is a big fight for the championship with three drivers in the same team. It is going to be very tough for sure and everyone will be doing their maximum,” said Katsuta.

“Of course I will give everything of what I have and what I can do. I have no idea what will happen but I have to go flat out from the beginning to the end otherwise I will not be able to take the result I want in Japan.

“My target is to score one of my best results ever. I have not won yet any WRC event and if it can happen in Japan it would be special and amazing, and this is my target. I know it is going to be very tight and difficult as always but I will try everything that I can. This is my feeling.”

Katsuta’s Rally Japan bid will begin on Thursday when the 20-stage event begins.

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