It’s a good time once again to be Takamoto Katsuta. Having bounced back from the bench to score a maximum last Sunday in Passau, the Japanese driver heads home next month with his confidence restored.
And now he knows he has several more World Rally Championship rounds on home roads to look forward to. Toyota City has signed a three-year extension to its agreement with WRC Promoter that will keep Rally Japan in town until at least 2028, subject to the usual FIA approval.
The roads around Toyota City are truly home not only for Katsuta’s employer but also for the man himself – a native of the surrounding Aichi region, born in nearby Nagakute on the edge of Nagoya.
“For sure it is big news for me, Japan and the Toyota team,” Katsuta said. “It is very important to do the home rally for me, but of course [also] for Toyota and all the Japanese fans.
Home fans are passionate about local driver, team and event
“It is a very special thing – the important thing is how long you continue these events – if you stop once the popularity goes down again.”
Toyota City brought the WRC back to Japan in 2022, and although that first edition brought some teething problems with it, the excitement among the local fans has been clear to see – especially in the unique way they line the road sections. That fever has been driven at least in part by Katsuta’s driving: Taka-san finished on the podium two years ago and demonstrated the speed to win in 2023.
“I believe it was a massive job from the organizers to make the extension so huge respect and a big thanks to them for doing it,” he said. “The next three years will be even more important for my career and life and for Japanese rally and motorsports. I try to do my best for sure and to get more fans.”
The extended agreement was announced in South Korea on Sunday morning as Katsuta and his Toyota team joined rivals Hyundai in an event aimed at boosting the WRC’s profile on the western side of the Sea of Japan. But Toyota City mayor Toshihiko Ota was there too.
Extension offers chance to further showcase country's stunning scenery
“I am thrilled that the WRC has decided to continue to hold a Japan round for the 2026-2028 seasons,” the mayor said.
“Rally Japan has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas for its backdrop of iconic Japanese scenery that includes beautiful mountains, lakes and Shinto shrine gates.
“We hope to use this acclaim to foster a strong rally culture and expand the fan base at home and abroad. We look forward to delivering excitement and thrills to fans through intense competition between the world’s top drivers.”
On the evidence of last Sunday at least, one of Aichi’s own is here to stay among those best in the world.
