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Sami Pajari insists his maiden World Rally Championship (WRC) victory won't make this week's home Rally Finland "any easier," stating he cannot "underestimate the competition."
After dominating the season's first fast gravel event in Estonia, Pajari will now be considered a strong contender for victory on home soil. The factory Toyota driver enters the rally in the best form of his career following his Estonian success – his sixth podium finish in the last eight rounds. No other driver has achieved more podiums this year.
Finland, alongside Estonia, is regarded as one of Pajari's favorite events on the calendar. While the 24-year-old is primed for battle after his first WRC win two weeks ago, he anticipates fierce competition this weekend.
"Of course, it's the best possible preparation for Rally Finland – to achieve such a great result in Estonia. The rallies aren't entirely identical, but some parts are quite similar. What these events have in common is the need for immense confidence. It takes courage to drive flat out on these challenging and fast stages.""It's promising, of course [after the win]. But we can never underestimate the competition, so it won't be any easier in Finland. Naturally, we are ready for battle and can win if everything goes our way.""Many will expect us to win again; we can't underestimate the competition, but of course, we hope we can achieve it," Pajari told Motorsport.com.
Pajari's victory in Estonia means all five Toyota drivers now have wins this season and are firmly entrenched in an exciting title fight. Championship leader Elfyn Evans has won in Finland twice and heads there with a 25-point lead over Takamoto Katsuta, who finished second last year.
Sébastien Ogier also boasts two victories in Finland but is eager to bolster his hopes for a record-extending tenth world title after losing ground to Evans in Estonia. Ogier will reunite with his eight-time world champion co-driver Julien Ingrassia, who made a last-minute return to replace Vincent Landais, absent for personal reasons.
Oliver Solberg is renowned for his speed on fast gravel and will view Finland as an opportunity to close the 47-point gap to Evans.
"It was fantastic to see Sami claim his first victory in Estonia, and it's wonderful to watch his growth this season," said Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who will compete in a Rally2 car this weekend. "It's also remarkable that all five of our drivers have now won rallies this season, and they all still have championship chances. They are all capable of winning Rally Finland, our home event, and I think we can expect a close battle."
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