Takamoto Katsuta became the first Japanese driver in 27 years to finish on a World Rally Championship podium Sunday, with second place at the Safari Rally in Kenya, the sixth race of the season.
The 28-year-old, taking a full part in the WRC from this season with Toyota Gazoo Racing, came 21.8 seconds behind French teammate Sebastian Ogier, who won in 3 hours, 18 minutes, 11.3 seconds.
Takamoto Katsuta of Japan and Daniel Barritt of Britain compete with their Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota Yaris WRC during Day Three of the FIA World Rally Championship Kenya on June 26, 2021. (Getty/Kyodo)
The WRC began in 1973 and Kenjiro Shinozuka won races in 1991 and 1992 for Mitsubishi.
The season's final race, Rally Japan, is scheduled for November in central Japan's Aichi and Gifu prefectures.
