Sami Pajari Sends Clear Message Ahead of WRC Finland 2026

Sami Pajari delivered a clear message to Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT ahead of WRC Finland 2026, asking the team not to change the car’s setup after a strong showing in Thursday’s shakedown.

The message was revealed by acting team principal Juha Kankkunen, who is again leading Toyota’s operation at its home round in Jyvaskyla. All five Toyota drivers placed inside the top six in shakedown, with only Esapekka Lappi breaking up their dominance.

Kankkunen still expects the competition to be tighter than last year, when Toyota locked out the top five positions. He believes Hyundai will be more competitive in Finland than it was at Rally Estonia.

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“We’re the ones being chased now. Hyundai’s drivers will push as hard as they can, but I believe we’ll be able to respond,” Kankkunen said.

Pajari arrives at his home round with significant confidence after claiming his first WRC victory in Estonia two weeks earlier. Kankkunen also expects Oliver Solberg to again feature among the leading contenders for victory.

According to Kankkunen, Pajari’s pace and confidence in the car are key indicators ahead of the rally. “After the shakedown he said again, ‘Don’t change anything on the car — it’s exactly where it needs to be. Let’s just go,’” he revealed.

Kankkunen believes the younger generation will be extremely fast, although the experienced drivers will remain a major threat. With Pajari now entering WRC Finland 2026 as one of the leading favourites, attention will centre on whether he can carry his Estonia momentum into his home event.

WRC Finland 2026 begins on Thursday evening with the Harju super special stage in central Jyvaskyla, as Toyota looks to maintain its performance advantage at one of the team’s most important events of the season.