Sami Pajari Suffers Major Time Loss After Tyre Failure

Sami Pajari suffered a major setback on SS5 of Acropolis Rally Greece after the rear tyre on his Toyota Gazoo Racing machine failed early on the Elikon Mountain stage.

Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen were forced to stop and replace the damaged tyre at the roadside. Although the change was completed quickly, the delay cost the Finnish crew valuable time after spending the morning among the leading contenders.

According to Pajari, the puncture was caused by a large loose rock sitting in the wheel rut on a narrow section of the stage, leaving him with no opportunity to avoid the impact. Once again, the Greek gravel highlighted that tyre preservation is proving just as critical as outright speed.

Read AlsoThierry Neuville Explains Key to Acropolis Rally Lead

"There was a big loose rock in the wheel rut on a narrow section. I couldn't avoid it. We lost some time before the service, and now we've lost even more. This is not our race this time," said Pajari.

Further ahead, Sebastien Ogier continued to reduce the gap while focusing on avoiding trouble, as Jon Armstrong secured his maiden World Rally Championship stage victory for M-Sport Ford.

Two more special stages remain on Friday, with tyre management expected to remain the decisive factor as Acropolis Rally Greece continues to punish both cars and crews before Saturday's leg.