Rising newcomer Sami Pajari is about to embark on his first appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship in his home country, at the Secto Finland Rally. Pajari, a 22-year-old talent, was originally scheduled to make his debut in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 in Latvia next month. However, a reorganization of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team has changed those plans. Eight-time WRC champion Sébastien Ogier will now take the wheel of the team’s fourth GR Yaris car in Latvia, joining Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä, and Takamoto Katsuta for the new event. Consequently, Pajari will make his first appearance in Finland in August.
Team boss Jari-Matti Latvala explained that the decision was made to provide Pajari with the best possible preparation for his debut while also maintaining focus on the championship title fight for manufacturers. Currently, the Japanese brand is trailing Hyundai by 13 points. Evans currently occupies third position in the driver’s standings, while Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak hold the top two positions.
“We are fully committed to developing young drivers for the future, as well as maximizing our current results,” Latvala stated. “That’s why we will still take four cars to Latvia and take the opportunity to have Sébastien join Kalle, Elfyn, and Takamoto. Seb has shown great strength this year and with the championship being so closely contested, we want to bring all our strength and experience to the fight.”
Latvala also emphasized the benefits of Pajari testing the car on familiar roads, stating: “I believe it will be advantageous for [Sami] to take the wheel of a new car on roads he is familiar with. Considering that his chance to test the car would always be on Finnish roads, this will serve as excellent preparation for the Rally Finland. It is a suitable opportunity for Sami to drive our Rally1 car and will undoubtedly be an exciting experience for his fans and for the event itself.”
Pajari expressed his excitement at the prospect of competing in high-level machines in his own country, describing it as “even more special”. He acknowledged that while Latvia provided a level playing field for all competitors, the familiarity of the Finnish stages and the tests conducted in Finland will be advantageous for him in car preparation.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to prepare the car on roads that closely resemble the rally itself,” commented Pajari.
