Sami Pajari Wins SS5 as Esapekka Lappi Frustrates

Sami Pajari continued his perfect Rally Estonia run by winning SS5 Karaski and extending his overall advantage to 11.1 seconds.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT driver again set the fastest time on the 11.97-kilometre stage. Pajari beat Oliver Solberg by 2.1 seconds to secure his fifth consecutive stage victory.

“I made one small mistake, went a bit wide in one corner and lost a few tenths there. I’d almost say it was a poor stage from me,” Pajari said.

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Solberg was again unable to match his team-mate’s speed. He chose not to push completely because he still lacked the confidence to drive at the absolute limit, while also attempting to protect his tyres on the demanding surface.

Adrien Fourmaux retained third overall, 11.7 seconds behind Pajari. Thierry Neuville occupied fourth with a deficit of 19.8 seconds, while Sebastien Ogier completed the top five after losing time through a poor line early in the stage.

Esapekka Lappi continued to struggle despite holding a more favourable road position. The Hyundai driver finished 4.9 seconds behind Pajari and also lost time to several competitors who started earlier.

“I gave it absolutely everything, but it’s pretty depressing when you’re constantly the slowest driver even though you’re giving it your all and have the advantage of a better road position. It’s really eating away at me,” Lappi said.

Pajari leads after five of the rally’s 18 stages, with two tests remaining on Friday. Rally Estonia continues with SS6 Kanepi and SS7 Elva Linn before Saturday’s itinerary begins.