Takamoto Katsuta heads to Rally Paraguay with a big smile. Last year, when the event made its debut on the WRC calendar, the Toyota driver returned with sweet memories. Not just because of his result, but also the incredible atmosphere created by the local fans.
“I have very good memories from Paraguay and can’t wait to go back. There were so many fans supporting us and it was a really impressive event,” Katsuta said, recalling how lively the roadsides were throughout the stages. South American fans always bring a different level of energy, and that was palpable last year.
But behind the excitement, there was a valuable lesson he brought home. The road surface in Paraguay hides a hidden danger. “The roads themselves are nice and enjoyable, but we discovered last year that the surface is very unique; very compacted and very polished, and there was very little grip when it rained,” he explained. Such conditions can turn into a deadly trap, especially on fast corners that look friendly.
That lesson now makes Katsuta far more prepared. However, he refuses to be overconfident. Knowledge from last year helps, but weather and conditions always have their own surprises. “With that knowledge from last year, it can be easier to go back, but we can’t know exactly how the conditions will be this time,” he said, stressing that on-the-ground adaptation remains key.
His target is clear: to enjoy Paraguay’s fast gravel roads again and come away with a strong result. “Anyway we will try to enjoy it once more and hopefully it can be a nice rally for us,” the Japanese driver concluded. With 22 stages stretching over 357 kilometers, this rally will be a true test of consistency and courage.
Rally Paraguay officially starts on Friday, after a shakedown session scheduled for Thursday evening Finnish time. The battle on these slippery gravel roads is guaranteed to deliver its own drama.
Baca Juga
Nasib Hyundai di WRC 2026 masih belum jelas. Bos tim Andrew Wheatley buka suara soal regulasi baru, Rally2, dan kemungkinan mundurnya pabrikan Korea.
AI memprediksi sisa WRC 2026: Sami Pajari kandidat juara usai dua kemenangan beruntun, Ogier ancaman, dan Katsuta siap menggagalkan di Chile.
M-Sport siap tempur di Rally del Paraguay dan Chili. Richard Millener percaya tim bisa bangkit setelah musim sulit. Josh McErlean bawa pengalaman, Armstrong dan Jurgenson andalkan persiapan.
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