The Finn has been competing in his first full season in the top class of the World Rally Championship. Throughout the year, Pajari has emphasised that he is still very much on a learning journey.
At the same time, expectations from the outside have steadily grown – many now feel the Finn should be able to show more outright speed as well.
Pajari, however, did not promise any major attack in Japan. But he is still aiming to improve.
“That’s the plan. Of course, we’re always trying to be better than last time. Obviously, we’re trying to be even closer. There were already some very good stages in Central Europe, but there were also some sections where we were maybe losing a bit too much. So we’re trying to improve that as well,” Pajari said.
Pajari managed to find good pace at times in the previous round in Central Europe. He now hopes to carry that same asphalt speed over to Japan.
“Kind of, I think. Okay, it can be really challenging as well, but still, I kind of enjoy it. I have some nice memories from here, and yeah, there are always some really challenging stages to come, but also some really nice ones. So I hope it’s the same this time,” Pajari previewed.
The Finn, however, does not have any specific result target.
“It’s tricky to say. Anyway, I’ll just try to do my best. The result itself is not the most important thing, but I’ll try to stay close to the front with the stage times.”
Pajari’s future in the World Rally Championship remains undecided for now. Toyota will announce its drivers for next season on the Monday following Rally Japan. The essential question, then, is when Pajari’s flight home is scheduled to leave.
“Monday evening,” Pajari replied.
“It would’ve been quite tight to make the Sunday flight,” he added.
But perhaps you’ll have to stay here for other reasons too – because of Toyota?
“Yeah, but I also have some friends here from Finland, so that’s pretty cool as well,” Pajari said.
