Pajari has consistently emphasised that this year is a learning experience for him in the Rally1 category. Still, Finnish rally fans have watched the young driver’s progress with raised eyebrows.
Throughout the season, Pajari has focused on simply completing stages cleanly, and we haven’t seen any real attacks — not even when the conditions have clearly allowed for it.
While external chatter surrounding Pajari has intensified as the season has gone on, the mood within the team has remained supportive.
“It has been a bit like this, but at least the team has been really, really supportive and keeps saying that this is only a year for learning,” Pajari said.
The Finnish driver doesn’t feel that his season has been poor by any means.
“So it’s still not going too badly, but of course I’d like to show some speed — which I guess is quite normal, since we are athletes,” Pajari said.
The next opportunity to show that speed comes next week, when the WRC season continues in Finland. The fast gravel roads of Central Finland should suit Pajari perfectly. He already turned heads there last year when he got his first chance in Toyota’s Rally1 car.
So the big question has to be asked: Sami Pajari, are you going to really go for it in Finland?
“I would hope a bit… but okay, not too much,” the Finn replied.
