Toyota’s regular team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, is skipping several WRC rounds this year as he competes in the historic rally European Championship. In Latvala’s absence, Kankkunen will step in as Toyota’s team boss.
Kankkunen’s first assignment comes at the legendary Safari Rally, a fitting debut as he won the event three times during his own career. The four-time world champion remains hugely popular in Kenya.
The arrival of assistant team principal Kankkunen is a special occasion for Toyota’s drivers as well.
“Of course, it’s really nice. Not the most normal situation to have someone like Juha Kankkunen as the team boss,” Toyota driver Sami Pajari says.
Pajari will be competing in Africa for the first time, meaning he could receive valuable insights from his new boss.
“He has a nice history with Toyota, also in the Safari Rally, and he has won the event. So for sure, he has some good tips to give us. I think it’s a nice and fun thing, but of course, I appreciate it a lot, and I know that he has a lot of knowledge,” Pajari adds.
Pajari has a clear goal for next week’s event – to gain as much experience as possible and bring the car home safely.
“I’m not looking too much at the result, but of course, we are there to do our best. You never know in a rally like that, where anything can happen,” Pajari says.
“So the result can also be good, but you never know. It will be a tough rally week anyway, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge”.
Safari Rally Kenya takes place from 20–23 March.
