Sami Pajari continued to apply pressure to Sebastien Ogier on SS16 Päijälä 2 at WRC Finland 2026, although the Frenchman set the fastest time and slightly extended his overall advantage.
Ogier topped the stage after beating Elfyn Evans by just 0.2 seconds, while Pajari finished third fastest, only 0.4 seconds away from the benchmark. The result increased Ogier’s overall margin over Pajari to 20.9 seconds with two special stages remaining on Saturday.
“The car is simply amazing. I enjoy every corner in this beast,” Pajari said. He admitted he still did not feel completely at 100 per cent from the start of the stage, but described the run through Päijälä as clean and consistent.
Pajari also continued the light-hearted psychological battle with Ogier. “We’re sending Seb a message that we’re pushing hard, even though we’re not really doing that yet. You still have to keep the pressure on,” he joked.
Ogier had been beaten by Pajari several times during Saturday, but responded this time with the fastest run. He insisted his approach had not changed and remained comfortable with his position, while acknowledging that everyone will be pushing hard when the rally reaches Sunday.
Oliver Solberg set the fourth-fastest time and remains third overall, although he now trails Ogier by more than a minute. Solberg said his focus has shifted towards securing his current position while testing changes to the car ahead of a full attack on the final day.
Ogier continues to lead WRC Finland 2026 ahead of Pajari, with Solberg third and Adrien Fourmaux the leading Hyundai driver in fourth. Two special stages remain on Saturday before the rally concludes on Sunday with SS19 and SS20 Himos-Jämsä, including the Power Stage.
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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.
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