Pajari completes his pre-event test for Chile and shares his first thoughts [+photo]

Sami Pajari is really excited for grabbing the opportunity to drive the GR Yaris Rally1 in two more rallies and is ready to fight against Martins Sesks again, but his goal is to gain experience at Central European Rally.

The Finn driver made his WRC debut with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 on his home event a month ago and the Japanese team confirmed recently that Pajari will replace Takamoto Katsuta in Chile. Toyota scheduled a pre-event test for him in Finland two days ago where Pajari had the chance to drive the Yaris on gravel just two weeks before the start of Rally Chile. In addition to that, Pajari's programme includes also his participation at Central European Rally with the Rally1 machinery of Toyota which means that he will mae three appearances at the top level until the end of 2024. Finally, it must be mentioned that it is rumored that Toyota may offer to Pajari a Rally1 seat for 2025, but it is yet to be confirmed their driver line-up ahead of the new season while Jari-Matti Latvala stated recently that his team must have three full-season drivers the upcoming year.

"I’ve been racing against Mārtiņš in different cars during the few years", Pajari said. 

"I can’t wait to race again, even though we are a bit in different cars. 

"I was not expecting to be in the same event as he is, but of course it’s nice to see that there are new young guys coming.

"I did Chile last time and did quite well in the WRC2 car – it’s actually quite a nice rally. 

"I’m really excited about the next two WRC rounds. 

"Obviously, after Rally Finland I was hoping for some extra seat time, but I didn’t see it coming so soon.

"It’s good to get some more experience with such a great and fast car, it’s just really nice to drive it. 

"But, of course, there is some challenges as well, so it’s not so easy there, but I’m waiting to be back in the car and learn more.

"It’s really valuable to get kilometers.

"CER will be my first time on a Tarmac event in a Rally1 car, it’s always a bit exciting – but especially I think Central Europe was last year really demanding with the weather conditions. 

"It won’t be easy one, but also the plan is just not to rush and take my time and then get quicker by the experience.

"There’s not any pressure for the result, but I just tried to enjoy the driving and get better by every kilometer".

Watch below photos from his test in Finland for Rally Chile:

Photo Credits: Toyota