Toyota Gazoo Racing’s newest World Rally Championship (WRC) signing, Sami Pajari, has revealed that Marko Salminen will serve as his co-driver for his debut full-time season in the Rally1 class in 2025.
The announcement marks a reunion for the Finnish duo, who previously clinched the Junior WRC title together in 2021. Pajari, 23, has spent the past three years alongside Enni Mälkönen, a partnership that culminated in their triumph at last month’s Rally Japan, securing the WRC2 championship. However, Pajari felt a change was necessary as he transitions to the top level of rallying.
“This is the best move for this point in my career,” Pajari explained. “We’ve had an incredible run with Enni, achieving so much together, but the time has come for something new as I prepare for the challenges of Rally1.”
A fresh start with familiar support
Pajari confirmed the new pairing with Salminen via a social media post: “The contract is a dream come true for me, and I’m really grateful to Toyota Gazoo Racing for this amazing opportunity. There have been many people who’ve helped me get here—thank you. I also know this is where the hard work really begins, and I’m excited to push for great results in the future. I’m glad to announce that Marko Salminen will be supporting me as my co-driver. You’ll see us in action at the Monza Rally Show this weekend—it’s going to be fun!”
Salminen, 46, brings extensive experience to the partnership. In addition to his success with Pajari in the Junior WRC, he has competed at the highest level alongside Teemu Suninen at M-Sport in 2019. Recently, he’s been a key figure in Toyota’s TGR Challenge Program, working with up-and-coming talents like Yuki Yamamoto and Nao Otake.
A history of adaptability
Pajari addressed concerns about switching co-drivers at such a pivotal moment, emphasizing his track record of adaptability: “In 2018, I won the Finnish Junior Championship with one co-driver; in 2019, I claimed the Finnish Championship with another. Then came the Junior WRC title in 2021 with Marko and now the WRC2 championship with Enni. We have our reasons for this decision, and I’m confident it’s the right move as I step up to Rally1.”
Looking ahead
The pair will kick off their collaboration at the Monza Rally Show, providing a first glimpse of what’s to come in 2025. Pajari, hailed as one of rallying’s rising stars, is eager to build on his successes as he takes on the sport’s elite in Rally1.
With Salminen’s seasoned guidance and Pajari’s proven talent, all eyes will be on this dynamic Finnish duo as they aim to make a strong impact in the World Rally Championship next season.