Their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, run by Printsport Racing, was tested near Zagreb the weekend before the rally. For Pajari, this marks his fourth start on the Croatian asphalt, meaning he has participated in this WRC event every time it has been held. Conditions in the event are challenging even in dry weather, and this weekend’s rain could add further difficulties.
Pajari tuned up his speed by testing in Croatia before the start of the pacenoting.
“The overall feeling from the tests was good. The tests coincidentally had very summery conditions and it seems once again that we might not get to drive the entire event on completely dry roads. The forecasts are still changing, and I wouldn’t mind if it didn’t rain,” Pajari sums up.
From previous years, Pajari’s experience in the event includes both stellar performances and less celebrated events. It might be considered his most eventful race when looking back over the years.
In 2021, the car dramatically slid off from the leading position in the JWRC category into the bushes. However, he was able to continue with a damaged car and collect important points towards the junior class championship.
The following year, the third-to-last special stage hit Pajari with a rain-soaked slap in the face as he slid from the lead deep into a water ditch, ending his race.
Last year, Pajari competed in the more powerful Rally2 car. The Finn experienced several dramatic slides and at least one spin, finishing fifth in the WRC2 class.
“This race somehow always puts up a fight. It doesn’t let you off easy, as we’ve seen in previous years. Many have had their problems here over the years. I wouldn’t mind, though, if it went a bit more smoothly on my part occasionally,” Pajari chuckles.
This year, the Pajari-Mälkönen duo will not be collecting championship points in Croatia. However, it’s a good opportunity to fine-tune their routine for the busy race schedule in the summer.
“The route is mostly familiar from previous years – though one section was in a slightly different direction this time. Naturally, that helps a bit when you remember better what the conditions have been like in certain areas before and where the tarmac is grippy and where it’s not. There’s no problem getting into the race atmosphere here, as there are always loads of people everywhere. The atmosphere is definitely spot on, making it easy to do your best.”
