New Zealand was returning to the WRC calendar for the first time in 10 years. The event is famed for its smooth and flowing gravel stages which are popular among the drivers but also unique in character among WRC rounds, especially due to the considerable changes in camber. Adding to the challenge for the drivers was wet weather throughout most of the weekend, which created changeable and often unpredictable grip levels.

Conditions were particularly variable on Friday, which was one of the longest days of the season accounting for more than half of the rally distance. Katsuta, co-driven by Aaron Johnston, lost time with a spin in the morning’s second stage but reached the end of the day in eighth place overall.

The weather worsened on Saturday with constant and heavy rain which would catch out many of the drivers during the day. Katsuta however began the afternoon brightly with the fourth-fastest time in SS11 to climb up to fifth position overall. Unfortunately, he would go off the road in the following stage, and damage to the rollcage meant it was not possible for him to return to action on Sunday.

Quotes:
Takamoto Katsuta:“This was my first time here in New Zealand and it was a big challenge but one that I enjoyed quite a lot. The conditions were difficult but the roads were nice and fun to drive. On Friday the rain was affecting the grip level and when the grip was consistent I was quite comfortable and confident, but when it was inconsistent I was not committed enough. On Saturday there was more rain and more mud, and the stages were also more technical. I was still missing a bit of pace but it was getting better in the afternoon. I felt very good in the first stage of the loop and then I tried to push in the second one. Unfortunately in a high-speed right-hand corner I went too fast and couldn’t slow down for the tight left-hander that came straight afterwards and we rolled. It was not good to end our rally early, but I was still able to learn a lot about how to improve for the future.”

Juho Hänninen (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program instructor):“This has been a tough weekend for Taka. Friday was quite difficult but on Saturday it was getting better and he was a bit more confident. Then he was just a little bit too late with the braking in SS12 and lost the car. With the weather conditions the grip was changing a lot and this is something Taka has been struggling with so far in this car. It’s something we need to work on in the future, to see how we can help him get more confidence as it’s clearly an area where there is room for improvement. But for now he needs to forget this weekend and concentrate on asphalt for the final two rounds. Spain is a more familiar rally and I believe it can be a good one for him.”