An unexpected byproduct of Sami Pajari’s elevation to Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally1 for this month’s Rally Chile will be a next generation head-to-head between him and Mārtiņš Sesks.
Pajari replaces Takamoto Katsuta in South America and admits he’s looking forward to renewing his rivalry with Sesks on the forest roads around Concepción. The Latvian’s Ford Puma Rally1 will, of course, run in hybrid-less form, but Sesks demonstrated with his speed in Poland that he’s more than capable of carrying the right to the battery-powered cars.
Pajari said: “I’ve been racing against Mārtiņš in different cars during the few years. 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.
Pajari impressed on his Rally1 debut in Finland - winning a stage and finishing fourth overall
“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.”
Pajari admitted the focus was on experience in both Chile and Central Europe next month.
“It’s really valuable to get kilometers,” he said. “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.”
Understanding his South American seat has come through Katsuta’s downturn in form, the Finn added: “It has been really challenging this year for the team, especially lately, and also for Taka. So, I feel a bit sorry for him, but I hope he’s doing fine and he will be back soon again in the Rally 1 car.”
News of Pajari’s return to the factory team came on the back of his third WRC2 win this season. While he’s focused on driving the Rally1 car for the next two events, he hasn’t completely given up on a crown which will be worn by Oliver Solberg if the Swede wins in Concepción.
“[WRC2] is not fully off my mind, but it’s in Oliver’s hands a little bit. If he’s doing really well in Chile, then our hopes for the title are a bit gone, but we have still one more round to do with the Rally 2 cars still this year, and I will do my best there as well.
“But we can’t forget that the year has been really strong for us as well. We already got three wins and a couple out of podium places, so the season has been really strong for us as well. I think we should be really happy about it. Even if the title is gone, of course, we will do our best to get the best possible result.”
Pajari’s final WRC2 round will be in Japan, given he is contesting the two prior events in the Rally1 car.
