Sami Pajari is a possible Toyota driver in next yr’s World Rally Championship after a powerful Rally1 debut in Finland, in response to team boss Jari-Matti Latvala.
Toyota gave WRC2 title contenders Pajari and co-driver Enni Malkonen the prospect to showcase their potential within the fifth GR Yaris Rally1 automotive finally weekend’s Rally Finland.
The duo attracted attention by ending fourth overall and claiming their first stage win by setting the fastest time on stage nine [Ruuhimaki].
The strong finish to the event got here after Pajari was caught out by difficult, wet conditions on the second stage, resulting in a violent incident that damaged the rear of his automotive.
His performance over the 20 special stages impressed Latvala, who said it showed that Pajari has the potential to grow to be a full-time Rally1 driver in the longer term.
“I think they did a great job. It was a difficult start on the first stage and it didn't look promising. But the way he managed to recover made him very strong and he got the fastest time of the stage,” Latvala told Motorsport.com.
“He’s very strong mentally, which was very nice to see. I feel he’s really shown his potential to grow to be, let’s say, a full-time Rally1 driver.
“At the moment he is focused on WRC2 because we want him to try to fight for the championship. He still has a chance and we want him to focus on that. But of course we are talking about what we would do with him next year.”
Sami Pajari from Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Photo: McKlein / Motorsports images
Toyota is yet to substantiate its full driver line-up for next yr, although Kalle Rovanpera signed a multi-year contract last yr which included a full-time return next yr.
“I think it usually starts after Rally Finland, so when you have to start looking at contracts for next year,” he added. “Of course, in the intervening time I feel we’re in a reasonably good situation.
“We'll definitely try to keep the drivers. But there are a few question marks, like what does Seb want to do, does he want to drive next year? And then of course with Sami and so on, so there are a few points we need to start to clarify.”
Asked if Pajari is considered one of the team's options to think about for next yr, he added: “Yes. Of course, we have to think about it.”
Pajari said he was pleased along with his performance in Rally Finland, but he’s aware that he still has so much to enhance.
“There are so many emotions, it’s hard to pick one that comes out on top,” Pajari said.
“Of course, I'm really, really pleased in regards to the great performance we had, and this result is de facto acceptable in the primary rally in Rally1, and likewise one stage win is, let's say, the icing on the cake. But there are various things I would really like to do significantly better. There is at all times room for improvement.
“The emotions are a bit mixed. The result on paper is really good, but if you look at the fact that Kalle retired, [from the lead] I can't be happy in the penultimate stage, because it's a big loss for the team – and for Kalle himself. But I think it shows how difficult this rally was. Many, many drivers had some problems along the way.”
Pajari admitted he would really like to return to Rally1 “very soon” but stays focused on fighting for the WRC2 title.
“I hope it is going to be soon [to be back in a Rally1 car] “After a week of driving this car, it’s amazing and I’d like to do it as soon as possible,” he added.
“The main goal this season is to complete a full WRC2 campaign and we are still in a good position to fight for the championship.”
