Pajari Confident Estonia Triumph Will Not Ease Rally Finland Challenge

Securing a maiden World Rally Championship victory will not simplify this week’s homecoming Rally Finland for Sami Pajari, as he insists he cannot “underestimate the competition”.

Following his dominant performance at the WRC season’s inaugural fast gravel rally in Estonia, the Toyota factory driver will now be considered a favorite to claim victory on home soil. Pajari arrives at the event in the strongest form of his career thus far, having secured the Estonian win and earned his sixth podium finish over the past eight rounds—and no other driver has reached the rostrum more frequently this season.

Finland and Estonia are both considered among Pajari’s favorite events on the calendar. Although the 24-year-old is prepared to battle after achieving his first WRC victory two weeks ago, he anticipates intense competition over the weekend.

“Of course, achieving such a strong result in Estonia provides the best possible preparation for Rally Finland,” Pajari told Motorsport.com. “While the rallies are not identical, there are some similarities. What these events share is the necessity of immense self-confidence. You must have the courage to push flat out on these demanding and high-speed stages.”

“That is certainly promising following the victory, but we cannot downplay the competition. As a result, it won’t necessarily become any easier heading into Finland. Naturally, we are ready to fight, and we can certainly win if everything goes our way.”

“Everyone will be hoping for another victory, but we cannot underestimate the competition. However, we naturally hope to make it happen.”

Sami Pajari dominated in Estonia

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Pajari’s victory in Estonia means that all five Toyota drivers have claimed wins this season, cementing their positions in a thrilling championship battle. Championship leader Elfyn Evans secured two prior victories in Finland and enters the event leading Takamoto Katsuta—who finished second last year—by 25 points.

Sebastien Ogier also boasts two Finland wins but is eager to advance his prospects of a 10th world title after falling behind Evans in Estonia. Ogier will be reunited with his eight-time world champion co-driver Julien Ingrassia, who stepped in at the last minute to cover for the absent Vincent Landais, who is unable to compete due to personal reasons.

Oliver Solberg is renowned for his pace on fast gravel and will view Finland as a prime opportunity to close the 47-point gap to Evans.

“It was fantastic to see Sami secure his first win in Estonia, and it has been wonderful to witness his growth throughout the season,” said Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who will be competing in a Rally2 car this weekend.

“It is also remarkable that all five of our drivers have now won rallies this season, and they all remain in championship contention. Each of them is also capable of winning Rally Finland, our team’s home event, and I expect a tight fight.”

The first of 20 Rally Finland stages will begin on Thursday evening.

Source link