Takamoto Katsuta Shines with Super Sunday Victory at Central European Rally
Central Europe — Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta made a stellar return to World Rally Championship (WRC) action, securing maximum points by dominating the Super Sunday classification and the rally-ending Power Stage. After sitting out the previous round in Chile, Katsuta, alongside co-driver Aaron Johnston, showed impressive pace throughout the all-asphalt Central European Rally (CER), finishing fourth overall.
Katsuta’s Sunday performance stood out as he balanced smart, cautious driving on slippery sections with bursts of speed when conditions allowed. He topped the first run through the Passauer Land stage and repeated the feat during the Power Stage, securing a full 12 points on the final day. Katsuta’s efforts, combined with his Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans’ second-place finish overall, helped Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT gain crucial points in the manufacturers’ championship.
With Evans and Scott Martin also finishing third in the Power Stage, Toyota reduced Hyundai’s championship lead to just 15 points. The title race will now come down to the final event next month at Rally Japan, where a perfect score from Toyota could see them reclaim the crown.
Ogier’s Crash Hands Victory to Tänak
Sébastien Ogier had been leading for much of the rally, but a small mistake cost him and navigator Vincent Landais dearly. After briefly losing the lead to Hyundai’s Ott Tänak in Sunday’s opening stage, Ogier slid wide on a muddy corner in SS17, hitting a tree and ending his race prematurely. Tänak capitalized on Ogier’s misfortune to claim the rally victory for Hyundai.
Toyota’s Sami Pajari also suffered a setback in his GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid, crashing out in Sunday’s opening stage. Despite the disappointment, Pajari gained valuable experience on his first asphalt rally in the top-tier car.
Pajari Eyes WRC2 Glory in Japan
Pajari will shift focus to Rally Japan, where he returns to the GR Yaris Rally2 car with a chance to win the WRC2 championship. A top-two finish in his category would secure the title for the promising young driver.
The GR Yaris Rally2 continued its success in Central Europe, finishing second on the WRC2 podium and reinforcing Toyota’s competitive strength across multiple categories.
As the season heads toward its final showdown in Japan, all eyes will be on Toyota and Hyundai in what promises to be an intense battle for the manufacturers’ championship.
