Takamoto Katsuta will contest Rally Chile with replacement co-driver James Fulton after a horrific crash left regular navigator Aaron Johnston injured. The Irishman steps in to partner Katsuta for the upcoming round.
The incident occurred on Sunday when Katsuta was pushing hard for points, having already retired after rolling on Friday's opening stage. His charge ended in another heavy crash, knocking down a telephone pole and causing injuries severe enough to rule Johnston out of Chile. As a result, Katsuta lost valuable points and his championship hopes took a significant hit.
Despite the setback, Katsuta remains optimistic for Rally Chile. He expressed gratitude for the team's support and Fulton's willingness to step in. "I want to wish Aaron a speedy recovery and I'm grateful to James and to the team for their support and making it possible for us to drive together in Chile," said Katsuta.
The Japanese driver also emphasised his desire to deliver a strong performance for the local fans. With his championship challenge effectively over after scoreless rallies, his aim now is to fight for wins. "Like in Paraguay, the fans in Chile have always been really excited for the rally and supporting us as drivers. The stages can be quite tricky. Some of the roads – particularly those we've driven on Friday in recent years – are quite cambered and narrow and there's not so much margin," he explained.
Katsuta also highlighted the abrasive nature of the roads if dry, making tyre management crucial, especially on the second pass. However, weather can change dramatically with low cloud or fog. "If they stay dry, the roads can get abrasive so you need to manage the tyres, especially on the second pass, but the weather can also make things difficult if there's low cloud or fog," he added.
With this situation, Toyota Gazoo Racing hopes Katsuta and Fulton can adapt quickly. This new partnership will test Katsuta's ability to stay competitive for the remainder of the season while awaiting Johnston's return.
Baca Juga
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