Sami Pajari is expecting more drama at Rally Sardinia after the Toyota driver completed the opening four stages in fourth position. Pajari trails rally leader Adrien Fourmaux by 10.7 seconds and remains firmly in contention at the front.
The position also leaves Pajari in a useful spot in the world championship battle. Championship leader Elfyn Evans is sixth, while Oliver Solberg, who entered the final round in third, is only 2.6 seconds ahead of the Toyota driver.
However, Pajari admitted that his driving had not felt particularly strong throughout the morning. Limited grip and unpredictable conditions made it difficult to find a perfect rhythm.
“I suppose the conditions have such a big effect. There is limited grip and there are always some surprises, so it does not feel perfect in any way. The times have been pretty decent, though, so we are still in the fight,” Pajari said.
Dust was another major factor during the opening stage of the morning. Pajari explained that the road improved for the leading cars on the following two stages, creating a clear difference between the crews running further back and those at the front.
“There was some dust and everything else on the first stage this morning. The times were quite mixed, but on the next two stages the road clearly improved for at least the first three or four cars. Each car was a little quicker than the one before,” he added.
Pajari started second on the road in line with his championship position, but that did not completely protect him from the dust. With little wind through the dense forest, the conditions remained challenging even with increased gaps between cars.
“On the first stage this morning, where probably everyone suffered the most, we also had a few places where we had to ease off a little. We lost a few seconds there,” Pajari explained.
The gap between cars was increased from three to four minutes, which Pajari welcomed. However, the lack of wind meant the dust remained suspended in the forest.
“Even though the gaps were increased from three to four minutes, which was a really good thing, there is hardly any wind here. When you are driving through dense forest, the dust just hangs there,” he said.
There is also a growing concern over punctures as the rally moves into the afternoon loop. Oliver Solberg suffered a puncture on the opening stage of the morning, although it came towards the end of the stage.
Pajari expects the afternoon to bring further risks, with the position of rocks capable of damaging tyres difficult to predict.
“We will see what lies in store this afternoon. There will be surprises in any case, but the question is where they happen and how serious they are,” Pajari said.
“That is what we will find out this afternoon. Hopefully there will not be any, but it is very possible. It is difficult to guess where the rocks that can actually puncture a tyre are hiding,” he added.
With Pajari fourth and only 10.7 seconds separating him from the rally lead, the Toyota driver remains firmly involved in the battle. But with limited grip, lingering dust and the threat of punctures still present, Sardinia appears ready to deliver more surprises before the rally moves on.
Baca Juga
Sami Pajari siap hadapi drama debu di Reli Sardinia. Pembalap Toyota ini waspadai puncture dan kejutan di lintasan minim grip. Simak selengkapnya.
Hyundai memimpin 1-2 di Rally Italia Sardinia setelah Ogier puncture di SS3. Fourmaux dan Neuville di depan, Evans terpuruk, Solberg dan Pajari bersaing ketat.
Oliver Solberg tercepat di SS4 Rally Sardinia, ungguli Evans dan Pajari. Pajari khawatir dengan pace-nya. Simak klasemen sementara dan analisisnya.
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