Takamoto Katsuta celebrates his first WRC victory: The reactions of Ott Tänak and Kalle Rovanperä, in particular, show just how much this success means The World Rally Championship (WRC) celebrates a new winner: Takamoto Katsuta secured his first WRC victory at the Safari Rally in Kenya. Following an emotional triumph at one of the toughest rallies in recent history, reactions poured in at the service park. Katsuta, who is now the first Japanese winner since Kenjiro Shinozuka in 1992, received praise from teammates and former world champions alike.
Ott Tänak, the 2019 world champion, promptly congratulated him via social media: “I’m really proud of you, my friend! I know how much this means to you and how much work went into it. The first win is in the bag; now we look ahead. Well done, Taka-san.”
Two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä, who is competing in the Japanese Super Formula this year, also followed the action from afar with great anticipation. “I’m really happy that Taka secured his victory. It was incredibly exciting to watch the final day. I was definitely much more nervous than when I’m driving myself or fighting for wins. That shows how much I was rooting for him and how important it was for me, too,” explained the Finn.
Rovanperä was not only Katsuta’s teammate but is also a close friend of the Japanese driver: “I’ve been with Taka through good and bad times for many years. We’ve supported each other so much. It’s very emotional to see how he pulled it off. He absolutely deserves it, especially given this year’s conditions, where it was a struggle just to get through.”
Immediately after his success in his 94th WRC start, Katsuta was visibly moved. He particularly highlighted the support from his Toyota team, his co-driver Aaron Johnston, and Tänak. Tänak, who is taking a break from full-time racing this season, has recently served as an important mentor to Katsuta.
“I don’t know what to say. We’ve had so many difficult moments. Aaron has worked very hard with me, and the team has always believed in me, even when I failed. Thanks to the entire team, to Aaron, and to my family, who has always supported me. Finally, here we are. So much has happened. Thanks also to Ott. He was there for me every moment and sent me messages. He woke up earlier than I did. “I did it, thank you,” said Katsuta.
There was consensus in the Toyota camp and among the rest of the field regarding the 32-year-old’s well-deserved success. Current championship leader Elfyn Evans emphasized: “Everyone likes Taka and gets along well with him. Ultimately, he worked very, very hard and deserves the victory. I’m very happy for him and Aaron.”
Oliver Solberg, winner of the season opener in Monte Carlo, also had words of praise: “Fantastic. If you ask around the service park who you’d want to see win, it’s definitely Taka. It’s incredible how much hard work and passion he puts in. As a Solberg, I love that passion. He deserves this, and it’s wonderful to see his joy. The first win is always something very special.”
There isn’t a dry eye in the service park WRC SafariRallyKenya pic.twitter.com/MtyeR4X7w9 — FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) March 15, 2026
