Sami Pajari’s championship dream within reach – “It has been under control”

Following Saturday’s stages, Pajari remains in second place in his class, a position that would secure the Finnish driver’s championship. The leader, Nikolay Gryazin, is nearly 90 seconds ahead, but Pajari also has a comfortable gap of almost a minute to the drivers behind him.

Competing in Toyota’s Rally2 car, Pajari has focused on maintaining his position rather than pushing too hard – not the easiest approach for a rally driver.

“It’s maybe one of the most tricky things in rallying once you are in this kind of situation. Still it has been quite under control since yesterday morning. We had a puncture yesterday, which was a bit unfortunate, but then after that it has been really trouble free run and quite consistent speed for from us,” said Pajari.

Only Sunday’s five stages stand between Pajari and the WRC2 championship. The 22-year-old Finnish talent is keeping his sights firmly set on the goal and remains cautious despite his advantageous position.

“I have been in quite similar situations a few times in the past, so it’s not really the first time. I still somehow like to think that it’s not really over until it´s really over. There is one full day to go so anything can happen,” Pajari reflected.

Heikki Kovalainen sits fourth in the WRC2 class, nearly four minutes behind the leader and 30 seconds off the podium. Japan’s Hiroki Arai holds third place.

“Overall, I’m still happy. Some of my times have been good. We’re not far off. A few seconds slip away here and there. I think it mostly comes down to my driving. I just haven’t had enough seat time this year,” Kovalainen explained.

“It was an okay day. I just couldn’t quite match the pace of Hiroki, Pajari, and Gryazin. I’ve been a little off the pace throughout. On the first stage this afternoon, I lost about 14 seconds because I was too cautious.”

WRC2 standings after SS16/21: