Sami Pajari Told to Forget Monte Ahead of Sweden 2026

WRC, Sportrik Media – Sami Pajari has been encouraged to put his Monte Carlo disappointment behind him by Toyota Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala ahead of Rally Sweden 2026.

The season opener in Monte Carlo turned into a nightmare for Pajari, who went off the road twice before being forced to retire. The Finn later admitted it was probably the worst rally he has ever driven in a Rally1 car, placing immediate pressure on him to respond on Sweden’s high-speed snow stages.

Latvala revealed he held an extended discussion with Pajari in order to reset the mental approach and remove any lingering effects from the difficult start to the season.

“We’ve now talked it through and tried to wipe that page completely and forget Monte altogether,” Latvala told RallyJournal.com.

“Sami has arrived here with completely new energy. I told him he has a good starting position now. Don’t think at all about what happens in terms of results. We have proper freezing conditions and this is the most enjoyable place to drive a rally car in winter. It’s freezing and the sun is shining. You couldn’t ask for more enjoyable conditions. He needs to start from finding the joy in what he’s doing. Through that, the results will come as well.”

Latvala indicated that Pajari’s mood appeared positive following shakedown and suggested the foundations are in place for a competitive weekend.

“At least after the shakedown he seemed positive. In my view, he has pretty good foundations overall for this rally. I’m sure he can fight for a top-five finish here and that would certainly do him good looking ahead.”

Pajari himself acknowledged the value of the conversation with his team principal, emphasising that the enjoyment of driving has begun to return after Monte Carlo.

“Right now it feels like it has. At the end of last season we had a couple of good rallies. Monte was probably the worst rally I’ve ever driven in any car. I just have to forget it. This is a completely different story here. It feels good now.”

Rally Sweden therefore presents a critical opportunity for Pajari to stabilise his campaign, rebuild confidence and translate improved mindset into stage performance, particularly on a surface traditionally favourable to Finnish drivers in the World Rally Championship.