The experienced co-driver has previously read pacenotes in the top class for Teemu Suninen. In recent seasons, the 46-year-old Salminen has been guiding Toyota’s young Japanese drivers, Nao Otake and Yuki Yamamoto, on their path to the top.
“Of course, it was great when inquiries about the opportunity came in. Sami and I have a long history together. We’ve already had a couple of years working together, and now we’re reuniting. It’s really nice to get back to driving with Sami,” Salminen told RallyJournal.com.
Salminen and Pajari competed together during the 2020–21 seasons. Their second year culminated in a JWRC championship title. Salminen says he recognised Pajari’s talent immediately.
“In autumn 2019, I sat alongside Sami and immediately said, ‘Here’s a guy who’s really talented.’ And now it’s been proven quite well,” Salminen praised the reigning WRC2 champion.
However, competing in the premier class will also demand more from the experienced Salminen. With new cars debuting next season, a tyre supplier change, and Pajari facing a steep learning curve against top drivers, there’s much to tackle.
“Of course, we need to do things even better and more precisely than at lower levels. The details start to matter more,” Salminen explained.
“Otherwise, it’s essentially the same work as before. Naturally, the speeds are higher, and the scenery changes differently. But I’ve sat alongside Takamoto (Katsuta) in tests, so in that sense, the car and the pace are familiar to me.”
Pajari and Salminen’s full season in the WRC class kicks off with the Rally Monte Carlo from 23–26 January.
