Sami Pajari finished fourth in Rally Chile, a slight disappointment after three victories. The Finnish driver had high expectations because the previous round in Paraguay had ended in victory and the two rallies were very similar in character.
One positive from the rally was that Elfyn Evans, who leads the WRC heading into the final round, finished behind Pajari. That allowed the Finn to close the gap to his team-mate slightly in the overall standings.
“It was not the best result, but not the worst either. We need to be realistic,” Pajari said calmly.
Ahead of the season-ending Rally Sardinia, Pajari trails Evans by 17 points. Third-placed Oliver Solberg is 21 points behind the Welshman. One thing is certain: Pajari will win a medal this season. Its colour remains undecided.
“We are definitely in the game and nothing is lost yet. But the next rally is going to be really tough, especially with the fight so close with Elfyn and Oliver as well.”
Pajari’s rise this season has been almost meteoric. He claimed his first podium finish last season before securing his maiden top-class WRC victory in Estonia this summer. Two more victories followed, lifting Pajari to second in the WRC standings. The Finnish driver admits things have happened quickly.
“Of course, we hope for the championship, but maybe we also need to be realistic about it. The season has still been better than we were hoping for. But when you see that you are competitive and can fight for podium positions on almost every rally, and even for the championship, then you just need to go for it.”
Alongside his victories, Pajari has taken several other podium finishes this season, helping him build both speed and confidence. “At the same time, you should be happy with what you have already achieved. But the work does not stop; you always want more. I think we are exactly where we want to be.”
Pajari is not putting himself under any extra pressure, however. He heads into the season finale with relaxed confidence. “As I have said before, if the title does not come this year, hopefully it will come sooner or later. I also need to remember that I am still the youngest Rally1 driver. But it is nice to be in the championship fight and to see that the pace is there.”
Read Also
Poland Rally Legend, festival reli yang baru berusia tiga tahun, berhasil menarik 140 peserta dan pembalap legendaris. Simak keseruannya!
Toyota mengubah nominasi pembalap untuk poin konstruktor di WRC Sardinia, memberi Elfyn Evans keleluasaan ganti komponen tanpa penalti.
WRC akan uji kamera helm teknologi F1 di final musim Sardinia. Uji coba oleh M-Sport Ford ini bisa mengubah cara menonton reli di TV.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!