Sami Pajari has won the Junior WRC and now clinched the WRC2 crown, but the “hard work” starts now as the Finn prepares to join the World Rally Championship elite in 2025.
Toyota has put its faith in Finland’s latest prospect to come from its storied rally driver production line by handing the 22-year-old a full-time drive in a GR Yaris Rally1 car next year.
Pajari joins an expanded Toyota driver line-up, which is stacked with talent and headlined by the return of two-time world champion and fellow countryman Kalle Rovanpera to a full-time drive. It also includes four-time WRC runner-up Elfyn Evans, eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier and multiple podium finisher Takamoto Katsuta.
Pajari’s stock as a rally driver has been on a steady rise since winning the 2021 Junior WRC title, and this year has proved to be a breakout season.
Last weekend, he and co-driver Enni Malkonen wrapped up the WRC2 title, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, with a measured drive to finish second in Japan – his sixth podium, including three wins, from his seven points-scoring outings.
His success already earned him three Rally1 outings (Finland, Chile, Central Europe) for Toyota where his talent was immediately recognised with a run to fourth on home soil at Rally Finland, that included a maiden stage win on his top-flight debut.
Sami Pajari, Enni Mälkönen, Printsport Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
But next year marks the realisation of a dream to become a full-time factory driver in the WRC, a feat he is still coming to terms with.
“I think it will take time to really feel it a bit more, but for the moment I’m super happy about it,” Pajari told Motorsport.com.
”It is something I have been dreaming for my whole life, to be in a works car and reach the top of the sport. This is something I have been chasing and been working on for the last eight years during my career.
“It was always the plan to reach this point, but it is not so easy so it will be hard. It is nice to reach this point but I also believe that the hard work starts now. It is nice to make it but the competition is so tough that if you want to make it, it won’t be easy.”
Pajari’s mindset is spot on.
He’s proved his ability to win championships in lower classes and his speed in a Rally1 car, but next year will offer a true litmus test. According to the Finn he feels the next task will be to…
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