This year, two young talents have had the opportunity to showcase their skills in the top category of the WRC. Latvian driver Martins Sesks impressed in the WRC rounds in Poland and Latvia with M-Sport’s Ford Puma Rally1 car, and on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Sesks will get another chance at WRC level at the Rally Chile.
Read more: Hot rumour confirmed: Latvian rally sensation Martins Sesks gets another shot in Rally1 car
Sami Pajari got his chance in the previous WRC round in Finland. Pajari made the most of it, driving impressively to finish fourth in the fast-paced gravel rally.
According to Toyota’s team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, Pajari might get another opportunity – possibly even this season. Latvala mentioned that Toyota is currently exploring various options.
“The target this year was to have him in Finland, but like I said, his result has created some interest and then, you know, some discussions internally,” Latvala told Dirtfish.
Latvala emphasized that the most important thing is for Pajari to focus fully on the remaining WRC2 events. Pajari is in the fight for the class championship, with two rounds still to go.
Pajari is confirmed to compete next week in the Acropolis Rally in Greece, driving a Toyota Rally2 car for WRC2 points. He hasn’t yet decided on his final WRC2 event of the season, but during last weekend’s Lahti Historic Rally, he mentioned that the Central European tarmac round would be the most logical choice for him.
If another Rally1 event is added to Pajari’s schedule, there are essentially three options: Chile at the end of September, Central Europe in October, or Japan in November. The Rally Chile would suit Pajari in terms of its characteristics, but logistically, it’s not the easiest event to arrange a Rally1 car for a Finnish driver.
In contrast, it would be easier to arrange a Rally1 car for Pajari in the Central European Rally, but the question remains whether he will be competing for WRC2 points in the tarmac event. Japan, on the other hand, might be a preferred option for Toyota to run up to five Rally1 cars, as the rally is practically in the backyard of the Japanese manufacturer.
“We haven’t decided anything. I think it would be correct to say we haven’t ruled it out that he might drive GR Yaris Rally1 again this season,” Latvala said.
Pajari’s strong performance in Finland has sparked speculation that he could be a candidate for a Toyota seat as early as next season. Pajari himself told RallyJournal.com that he’s confident he’ll find a good position for next year.
“Whether it’s in a Rally1 car or a Rally2 car, I can say that this year has gone pretty well. The Rally1 event felt good, and the Rally2 events have gone nicely too. Of course, things could always go better, which would help with planning. I’d say we’ve done well enough, so I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” Pajari said, summarizing his situation.
