Sami Pajari Needed Three Attempts to Get Licence

WRC, Sportrik Media - Sami Pajari has revealed the unusual difficulties he encountered while obtaining his driving licence, despite becoming one of the most competitive young drivers in the World Rally Championship. The Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team driver only completed his practical examination on the third attempt after the previous two ended before he was able to drive the car.

Pajari discussed the experience during an appearance on Yle’s Gogin kantabaari programme. The Finnish driver had practised under a learner’s permit with guidance from his father, but the process of obtaining a road licence proved considerably less straightforward than his later development in rally competition. Neither of his first two setbacks was caused by a driving error, with administration and vehicle reliability instead preventing the tests from starting.

“I didn’t pass on the first attempt. It only happened on the third,” Pajari said.

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His first attempt ended before the practical examination began because the required documentation was missing. Pajari had not received the certificate confirming completion of the mandatory risk-awareness course from the driving school, leaving the examiner unable to allow him onto the road.

“I didn’t have any paperwork. I hadn’t received any paperwork from the driving school,” Pajari explained.

“I didn’t even get to drive. That was the first fail right there,” he added with a laugh.

The second attempt presented a completely different problem. Pajari intended to complete the examination in his brother’s car, but the vehicle’s central locking system failed. He could not enter the car, meaning the test again had to be abandoned even though the previous documentation issue had been resolved.

“The central locking on my brother’s car broke, so I couldn’t get into the car. That was the second fail,” Pajari said.

On the third occasion, Pajari was finally able to complete the practical test. With no further administrative or mechanical problems, his driving ability resulted in an immediate pass. The episode provides a notable contrast with his subsequent career, as Pajari has developed into a professional capable of controlling a Rally1 car at high speed across some of the world’s most demanding roads.

“Once I got to drive, I was pretty much OK and I passed it,” he said.

Pajari’s competitive career progressed rapidly thereafter. He secured the Junior WRC title in 2021, won the WRC2 championship in 2024 and then moved into a full premier-class programme with Toyota. His development has demonstrated an ability to adapt to different cars, surfaces and rally characteristics, including snow, asphalt, gravel and stages with constantly changing grip.

The 2026 season represents Pajari’s strongest campaign at the highest level. After seven rounds, he has scored 96 points and occupies fourth place in the drivers’ championship. He has also achieved five podium finishes across the last six rallies, extending the progress that began with his first WRC podium at Rally Japan in 2025.

His best result of the current season came at Croatia Rally, where he finished second. Pajari led the event and remained in contention for his maiden WRC victory before losing time when he was forced to stop and change a wheel and tyre. Although the victory opportunity disappeared, he still secured the strongest result of his top-level career and helped Toyota complete a one-two finish.

Pajari’s speed has also been reflected in his ability to remain within the leading group across rallies with contrasting demands. Unlike the licence difficulties caused by missing paperwork and a failed locking system, WRC competition requires precise tyre management, accurate assessment of grip, detailed pace notes and close cooperation with co-driver Marko Salminen.

Three drivers remain ahead of Pajari in the championship. Team-mate Elfyn Evans leads with 151 points, followed by Takamoto Katsuta on 131 and Oliver Solberg on 102. A six-point deficit to Solberg keeps the contest for a top-three position open heading into the next phase of the season.

Pajari’s attention now turns to Rally Greece at the end of June. The gravel event will bring high temperatures, rough roads and an increased risk of tyre damage compared with the preceding rounds. After establishing consistency through five podiums, Pajari has an opportunity to increase the pressure on Solberg while maintaining his position within Toyota’s closely contested championship line-up.