Alongside Pajari, three other drivers started the event with Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 cars: experienced Frenchmen Bryan Bouffier and Stephane Lefebvre, and Spanish driver Jan Solans. Pajari was the fastest of this quartet.
In the Rally2 class, Pajari and the new Toyota’s competitiveness were not enough for the top battles. Pajari eventually finished fifth, falling short by almost five minutes behind the winner Yohan Rossel.
“This was a very interesting and challenging rally, as always. The main goal was achieved since we reached the finish without any major issues,” Pajari said.
“We set a few good stage times and otherwise it was steady performance. We tried many things in the car and discovered new aspects.”
Making it into the top three would have been an incredible achievement for the new car’s debut in Monte. The weekend showed that there is still room for development in the car.
“This gives motivation to try to find new things for the car and also for my own performance. This consists of many aspects. Of course, the driver needs a good car, but the driver also needs to be good to win with the car,” Pajari emphasized.
Pajari was not yet competing for WRC2 points in Monte Carlo, but in the next event in Sweden, he will be involved in the points battle.
In the Umeå area, both Pajari and Toyota’s Rally2 car can be expected to perform better. The new machine has been extensively tested in Finland, and in Sweden, Pajari will be competing in familiar conditions.
“I have a good feeling about the car for Sweden. I’ve already managed to drive a bit in such conditions.”
Pajari will compete full season in WRC2 this year, which is very competitive.
“I expect it to be a very tight this season, as the last couple of years have been. I believe we will have tough races and there are quite a few strong names at the starting line in Sweden.”
