The Toyota driver has had a taste of the WRC’s top tier this season, piloting the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. Pajari will compete again in the Rally1 car next week at the Central European Rally.
After that, Pajari’s focus will shift back to the WRC2 class and Toyota’s Rally2 car, with which he has competed most of the season. Pajari has already secured three WRC2 victories this year and has a solid chance to claim the championship title.
His rival, Oliver Solberg, had a shot at the title in the previous round in Chile. A WRC2 win on gravel would have secured the championship for Solberg, but he finished fourth, leaving the title race open for Pajari and Frenchman Yohan Rossel.
Competing in Chile in the Rally1 car, Pajari wasn’t focused on the WRC2 title during the weekend.
“I didn’t follow the WRC2 much during the rally, but afterwards I heard that we still have a chance. It’ll be interesting to see how it turns out,” Pajari said.
Rossel could overtake Solberg in the WRC2 standings by winning in Central Europe. Pajari, on the other hand, can secure the championship in the season finale in Japan, where he will need a top result.
While Solberg has completed his point-scoring rallies for the season, his teammate Gus Greensmith has promised to help the Swede. Greensmith will compete in Japan, where he aims to take points away from Pajari.
“I will do everything I can in Japan to help Oliver as much as I can. That will be the main focus in Japan,” Greensmith pledged.
Pajari responded coolly when he heard about Greensmith’s comments.
“I don’t have much to comment on that. There will be a few others as well. The situation is straightforward anyway,” Pajari remarked.
The Central European Rally takes place from October 17 to 20, with the season finale in Japan from November 21 to 24.
