The Toyota driver recorded a fifth career WRC podium finish earlier this month after finishing second at Safari Rally Kenya.
The result equalled the Japanese driver’s best finish, also achieved in Kenya when he finished runner-up to Sebastien Ogier in 2021.
Competing in his fifth season in the WRC’s top flight, Katsuta has enjoyed rapid development to join the WRC’s elite driver group. His result in Kenya arrived after challenging for a maiden victory in Sweden before a costly error.
The 31-year-old former circuit racer believes there is one more area he needs to improve on before he can stand on the top step of the podium.
“Of course, I am happy [to be back on the podium], I’m happy for the team,” said Katsuta.
“After Sweden, it was a huge disappointment for me because I had such a strong car, and I was having a very good fight with Esapekka [Lappi] but after my mistake, everything was over.
“I was so frustrated with myself but this rally [in Kenya] was totally different. Sometimes you need to be flat out but you need patience also and I learned a lot from last year and somehow it works well and it paid off in the end. I’m pretty happy I could still improve but I’m happy."
Source: Autosport