WRC Sweden 2026: Sami Pajari Concerned Over Tyre Wear as Gaps Grow

WRC, Sportrik Media – Sami Pajari continues to hold third position at WRC Sweden 2026, but the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver has voiced concerns over tyre degradation as snow coverage remains limited.

Pajari sits just under 20 seconds behind rally leader Elfyn Evans, with the second loop stages exposing more gravel through the icy surface. The reduced snow banks have accelerated stud wear, creating a delicate balance between pace and tyre preservation.

“We might lose a little bit of time. Our tyres weren’t great on the previous stage, but that’s how it is. There’s still one more stage to go. We just have to keep pushing,” Sami Pajari explained.

Behind the leading Toyota trio, Esapekka Lappi of Hyundai Motorsport holds fourth place, approximately 40 seconds adrift of the lead. Team-mate Adrien Fourmaux runs fifth, ahead of championship leader Oliver Solberg.

Thierry Neuville is seventh overall after being caught in a snowbank earlier in the morning. Tyre troubles continue to affect M-Sport Ford, with Jon Armstrong losing significant time yet remaining eighth, just behind team-mate Josh McErlean.

With one more stage remaining on Friday and a total of 18 stages scheduled for the rally, tyre strategy and risk management are set to play a decisive role heading into the final phases of WRC Sweden 2026.