Toyota driver Pajari will be competing on Portugal’s gravel stages in a top-class car for the first time, but he already has experience from the event over the past four years.
“So far the car feels good, but we did the test in very wet conditions. So in that sense, I don’t feel like I’m the best prepared,” Pajari said.
He’s not alone in this challenge – most of his teammates were also unable to run their pre-event tests on dry gravel.
“Looking at the type of roads and rally, there’s no reason why this event wouldn’t suit me. We’ve had good results here in other classes too,” Pajari noted.
Rally Portugal kicks off properly on Friday, with ten special stages packed into a gruelling day. It’s a demanding challenge not only for the drivers but also for the machinery, as there are only two short remote service stops during the day.
“It would be nice to start off in a fairly sensible way, not go crazy on Friday. Of course, we have a good road position, and if we don’t make use of it, we’ll be stuck with a bad road position all weekend,” Pajari pointed out.
“You have to try and find a balance – not go too slowly, but not be completely mad straight away.”
Pajari’s early season has been a period of learning behind the wheel of Toyota’s Rally1 car. In four events, he has recorded two retirements. His previous rally in the Canary Islands ended in a crash while running in fourth place.
The Finnish driver’s goal is to gradually increase the pace.
“Of course we’re aiming to start getting results too. The starting point is naturally that results need to come – we’re not just here to drive through rallies. But at the same time, it’s about paying your dues and building a solid foundation first.”
“Once those things are in place, then you can start asking for more results. You need to be patient – and right now that feels like the smartest approach,” Pajari explained.
According to Pajari, he hasn’t felt extra pressure even though his early season has included a few mistakes.
“It’s been great to see in this team that they’re used to the fact that sometimes there are crashes – that’s part of this sport,” he said appreciatively.
“When you’re driving rallies, mistakes can happen. It’s part of the whole picture,” Pajari emphasised.
