The co-driver dance continues in the WRC, although this time due to force majeure. Takamoto Kastuta will not be able to count on Dan Barritt, his usual co-driver, in the Ypres Rally, as the Briton continues to recover from the injury he suffered in a jump in the fourth special of the Estonian Rally. As a consequence of Barritt’s physical ailments, the Japanese Katsuta will be accompanied by Keaton Williams on the asphalt sections of the Belgian event in his Toyota Yaris WRC. A new change of co-driver, albeit one time, within a season in which it is becoming very common.
Although it is true that Dan Barritt didn’t break a bone In the aforementioned landing of the SS4 of the Estonian Rally, the Japanese Takamoto Katsuta and Toyota decided to withdraw so as not to aggravate the possible injuries of the co-driver. A difficult situation for a Dan Barritt who has been somewhat dissatisfied: “I am very disappointed by what happened. For me now, I am focused on recovering at home and making sure everything is as it should be. I will not be in the Ypres Rally, although I intend to be able to compete again in the next round, the Acropolis Rally of Greece, already in September. “
For its part, Keaton Williams will debut in the premier class of the World Rally Championship in the ‘fear’ seat of Takamoto Katsuta’s Toyota Yaris WRC. A participation with the Japanese pilot in the Ypres Rally that will force Josh McErlean to look for a new co-pilot, as Williams had planned to compete alongside his usual partner in the Ypres Rally WRC3 category. In this aspect, McErlean has opted for co-driver James Fulton to compete in a Belgian date where he will be at the controls of one of the units of the Hyundai i20 R5 that will still coexist with the brand’s new ‘Rally2’.