The 2026 WRC season will likely be remembered as Elfyn Evans versus Oliver Solberg. Which is ironic, considering there was a time Sami Pajari was seen as Evans’ only credible rival for the prize.
Flying under the radar suits the unassuming Finn just fine, but there was plenty to shout about from his stellar 2026 campaign. He scored the equal highest number of victories with three alongside Solberg, and secured considerably more podiums than anyone else with nine from 13 events.
In the end, Pajari finished just six points shy of world champion Evans and a single point adrift of Solberg in the final standings. This intense championship battle created one of the closest title fights in modern rallying history since the points system was revised in 2010.
"I think it’s safe to say we had a very, very good season," Pajari told DirtFish. "Nine podiums, three wins and at the end we lost the second place by one point and win by six points, so I don’t know when it was last so close between the top three?"
Despite losing a championship position on the final round, the young driver delivered a breakout performance that proved his credentials at the highest level of motorsport. He admitted that missing out on the ultimate prize by such a small margin brings mixed feelings, yet he remains deeply appreciative of the fierce competition.
"But yeah of course in a way you can always look for the things that it’s a shame to lose even the title with such a small margin," Pajari continued, "but at the same time I truly believe that us and Oliver for sure also did a really crazy good job this weekend, but if we take the whole season, maybe us and Oliver, we have still time to take some titles in the future, at least fight for them."
Pajari also offered high praise for Elfyn Evans, acknowledging that the experienced Welshman truly deserved the championship crown after a remarkably consistent campaign.
Turning 25 by the time he starts the upcoming Monte Carlo Rally, Pajari already possesses invaluable championship-fighting experience under pressure. Alongside Solberg, he feels fully prepared to lead the new generation of drivers into a fresh era of world rallying.
"I think we are part of the kind of the next generation in a way because there has been many, many faces who has been around for 10-15 years," Pajari explained regarding the changing landscape of the sport.
Reflecting on his expectations before the season started, Pajari admitted he hoped for strong results but never anticipated mounting a legitimate title charge right away. Overcoming a disastrous start in Monte Carlo, he bounced back by claiming stage wins on every single rally and fighting consistently at the sharp end of the field.
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