Sami Pajari will head into the final day of WRC Finland 2026 as the rally leader after Sebastien Ogier’s SS17 crash dramatically reshaped the victory battle on Saturday.
Pajari leads Oliver Solberg by 46.4 seconds heading into Sunday’s final two special stages. Elfyn Evans sits third, around a minute and a half behind, after also suffering an incident during Saturday morning’s loop.
“What a day. I don’t know what it is about this rally these days. For many years now, there have been an unbelievable number of crashes and all sorts of drama. There have probably been as many accidents here as in the entire first half of the season combined,” Pajari said.
Before Ogier’s incident, Pajari admitted he had already accepted that second place was the most realistic result. Ogier appeared to have the rally under control, while Pajari was concentrating more on maintaining his own rhythm than taking unnecessary risks in an attempt to close the gap.
“The drama started with Elfyn’s accident. Honestly, at that point I didn’t think there was any realistic chance of catching Seb. Even though we joked a little about putting him under pressure, I was really just trying to keep my own rhythm,” Pajari said.
Pajari said his immediate concern after Ogier’s incident was the condition of his team-mate and co-driver Julien Ingrassia. Information later reached the team that both had exited the car and were undergoing further medical checks, which Pajari stressed was far more important than the resulting change in the rally order.
With five stage wins from Saturday’s eight special stages, Pajari is now in position to claim a second consecutive WRC victory. He believes his pace has come from a more relaxed approach and allowing the car to flow naturally through Finland’s high-speed roads.
“There’s still, quite literally, a long and rocky road ahead. Hopefully I can find the same rhythm I had this afternoon,” Pajari said. WRC Finland 2026 will be decided over two runs through the approximately 30-kilometre Himos-Jämsä stage on Sunday, with SS20 also serving as the Power Stage.
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Juha Kankkunen says Sebastien Ogier's crash at WRC Finland 2026 looked highly unusual and confirms Toyota will investigate its cause.
Sami Pajari strengthened his WRC Finland 2026 lead after SS18 Leustu and will take a 46.4-second advantage into Sunday's final two stages.
Sebastien Ogier crashed on SS17 Västilä at WRC Finland 2026 and was forced out of the rally, while Sami Pajari set the fastest stage time.
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