Pajari has worked tirelessly, both behind the wheel and behind the scenes, climbing step by step towards the highest level of the sport. This past season, Pajari claimed the WRC2 title in the World Rally Championship, and next year he faces yet another new challenge.
After the season-ending Rally Japan, Toyota announced that Pajari will compete in a full season as an official driver for their WRC team in 2025. This announcement came as a surprise to many, as it was widely assumed that Pajari would be offered a half-season deal for 2025.
“This is an incredible thing and something I’ve dreamed about for a very, very long time. I still don’t think I’ve fully realised it’s happening,” Pajari admitted to RallyJournal.com
“Hopefully, I’ll have some time to settle down over Christmas, and then I can start focusing on next year.”
Pajari already made his debut in the WRC’s top class this year, competing in three rallies with Toyota’s Rally1 car. His first appearance was a success, as he finished fourth in Rally Finland. He secured sixth place in Rally Chile, while the Central European tarmac rally ended in a crash.
According to Pajari, contract negotiations with Toyota began shortly after Rally Finland.
“There were discussions throughout the autumn. I had a feeling that even a half-season deal would have been really good.”
“I thought it was realistic, but of course, I hoped it could be a full season. When the full-season offer came through, it was a bit of a surprise for me too,” Pajari admitted.
Pajari and the other WRC stars will begin their season at the iconic Rally Monte Carlo, which takes place from 23rd to 26th January.
