The Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 made its WRC debut in Monte Carlo, where four of the new cars were at the starting line. Among the Toyota drivers, Sami Pajari has maintained the best pace, currently driving fifth in the WRC2 before Saturday’s stages.
Pajari hasn’t matched the pace of the leaders, trailing Pepe Lopez, who is in the lead, by nearly two minutes. However, high expectations weren’t placed on Pajari in Monte Carlo, as the drivers ahead of him have more experience in this challenging classic event.
Toyota’s WRC team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, has closely followed the performances of Pajari and the other Toyota pilots in the WRC2 class.
“I’ve received feedback from the boys on how things have been going. Sami started well, and he’s been driving a consistent and sensible event. Of course, it has also emerged that we need to improve the car in certain areas,” Latvala said.
“We haven’t had enough driving in conditions where cutting corners brings dirt onto the road. Customers have complained a bit that the car might not be as good to drive in such conditions and it’s a bit nervous on the cuts. We clearly need to improve the car so that it gives the driver confidence,” Latvala acknowledged the reality.
This year’s Monte Carlo has unusually dry conditions, but Friday’s stages still had icy patches. Pajari also mentioned several times on Friday that he needs to adjust more to the conditions than to the new car.
Latvala is confident that the new car will reach the top battles in the future.
“This competition is very much driver-oriented and based a lot on self-confidence. Solely on this basis, one cannot see the full potential of the car or the differences between cars. I think we are ‘in the zone’,” Latvala commented.
Rally Monte Carlo continues Saturday with six special stages.
