Pajari Faces New Challenge at Rally Portugal

Sami Pajari heads into Rally Portugal 2026 carrying strong momentum after securing four consecutive podium finishes with Toyota Gazoo Racing. However, the classic gravel event presents a different challenge as the Finnish driver will start near the front of the field for the first time this season.

Following a difficult start to the campaign in Monte Carlo, Pajari’s form improved dramatically with second place in Croatia alongside third-place finishes in Sweden, Kenya, and the Canary Islands. The consistency has elevated him into the leading group of the 2026 World Rally Championship standings.

Technically, starting near the front on gravel rallies is often a major disadvantage because the leading cars must clear loose gravel from the racing line. This reduces available grip and generally results in slower stage times compared to drivers starting further back on a cleaner surface.

Baca JugaWRC Portugal 2026 Hadirkan Etape Gravel Brutal

“I’m really looking forward to getting back onto gravel roads in Portugal.”

“It feels like a long time since we last competed in a traditional gravel rally like this.”

Despite the sweeping disadvantage, Pajari could still benefit slightly as team-mates Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta will start ahead of him during the opening stages. That situation may allow Pajari to find a slightly cleaner racing line compared to running first on the road.

“Now we are starting near the front for the first time this season, but I cannot complain too much.”

“I hope we can continue our strong momentum.”

Katsuta is also entering unfamiliar territory after emerging as a genuine championship contender during the opening phase of the season. Two victories and a second-place finish in Sweden have strengthened the Japanese driver’s title credentials.

The Toyota driver admitted the second road position in Portugal could become especially difficult due to the loose gravel conditions expected on several stages this year.

“Starting second on the road could be very tricky.”

“Depending on the weather, this rally may not be easy.”

Rally Portugal remains one of the most technically demanding gravel events on the modern WRC calendar. High temperatures, abrasive surfaces, and narrow stages place major emphasis on tyre management and degradation control throughout the weekend.