Sami Pajari Plays Down Rally Finland Favourite Tag

Sami Pajari has played down suggestions that he should be considered the leading favourite for Rally Finland following his maiden World Rally Championship victory in Estonia.

The Finnish driver heads into his home round with increased expectations after securing six podium finishes from nine events this season with Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT. Pajari has also already finished fourth and fifth in Jyvaskyla in Rally1 machinery.

However, Pajari believes the competition at Rally Finland is too open for one driver to be identified as the clear benchmark. In his assessment, at least seven competitors are capable of challenging for victory.

Read AlsoThierry Neuville Targets Redemption at Rally Finland

“I did think about it a little bit, but I haven’t really heard many people putting the favourite’s tag on me yet,” Pajari said. “I guess someone will probably start talking about it sooner or later.”

“I’d say there are at least seven drivers capable of winning. It’s very difficult to single out just one favourite,” he added. “As we saw in Estonia, someone can suddenly have a really good day, and another driver can be incredibly quick even if nobody expected it beforehand.”

Victory in Estonia has also shifted Pajari’s longer-term ambitions. Having previously targeted a Rally1 seat, a first podium and a maiden win, he now acknowledges that the world championship is the major achievement still missing from his progression.

“If you look at it that way, the world championship is the only thing still missing from the list. Little by little, that’s where you have to start aiming,” Pajari said. “That said, I certainly wouldn’t complain if a few more wins came along first.”

Rally Finland will provide Pajari with his next opportunity to convert consistent form into a home victory while strengthening his path towards a broader championship objective.