Pajari competed over the past couple of years with co-driver Enni Mälkönen in the WRC2 category. This year, they were crowned WRC2 champions and had their first opportunity to compete in the WRC’s top class with Toyota’s Rally1 car.
However, following the confirmation of their WRC2 title at the season-ending Rally Japan, Pajari made a surprising announcement: he would not continue his partnership with Mälkönen. The following day, Toyota’s WRC team revealed that they had signed Pajari for the upcoming season, but the identity of his co-driver remained undisclosed.
The following week, Pajari announced that Salminen would return as his co-driver. The pair last worked together in 2021 when they won the JWRC championship.
Pajari’s decision to part ways with Mälkönen caused significant controversy and sparked a social media storm. The topic appeared to remain sensitive when RallyJournal.com asked Pajari how he felt about resuming work with Salminen.
Pajari visibly hesitated and carefully chose his words.
“I drove with Marko for a couple of years some time ago. But I feel really good about turning our focus towards next year, which will certainly be challenging. I’m looking forward to the full season with great enthusiasm,” Pajari said.
The partnership with Salminen restarted earlier in December at the Monza Rally Show. According to Pajari, the duo quickly found their rhythm.
“I guess the rhythm has always been there, so it came together nicely.”
Salminen is confident that the pair can achieve success in the WRC’s top category.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala suggested that Pajari could fight for podiums in certain rallies next season. Salminen agrees.
“Sami showed in the few rallies he did (with the Rally1 car) this year that the pace is already strong. With more kilometres under our belts, it’ll only get easier,” Salminen said.
