The season began in Monte Carlo in January with a retirement, but in the snowy conditions of Sweden, Pajari made it to the finish and claimed seventh place. In Kenya in March, Pajari was already flirting with podium positions, as a calm and mature drive earned him fourth place in a highly demanding event.
Pajari has repeatedly emphasised that the main goal this season is to gain experience behind the wheel of a Rally1 car. The promising Finn is at a disadvantage compared to WRC veterans when it comes to experience, as many drivers have competed in the same World Championship rallies for years.
However, in this week’s brand-new Rally Islas Canarias, the situation is different. The rally is new to almost everyone, but Pajari has competed in Gran Canaria once before. In 2021, he took part in a European Championship rally with a Ford Fiesta Rally4, finishing 17th overall. In his class, the Finnish driver placed second.
“To go from Kenya to the Canaries is maybe the biggest contrast we can have between two rallies in the championship. I did the rally four years ago with a Rally4 car and I really liked it; it’s one of the rallies which is closest to circuit racing,” Pajari summarises.
“Some of the stages especially are nice and wide with a good clean surface and not much cutting.”
Pajari tested alongside the other Toyota drivers last week on mainland Spain. The feeling on asphalt has clearly improved since the tricky Monte Carlo round.
“I had a nice test last week with both dry and wet conditions, and felt really good behind the wheel,” Pajari says.
“In Kenya the idea was to avoid issues which was key to our result; here there should be less that can go wrong and I hope it can be an enjoyable rally for us.”
Rally Islas Canarias kicks off with a shakedown stage on Thursday morning. The main competition begins on Friday. A total of 18 special stages are scheduled, covering approximately 300 kilometres.
