At just 22, Finnish rally driver Sami Pajari has captivated the world with his skill, poise, and unwavering commitment on the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit. As he heads into the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the final round of the season, Pajari is ready to set aside his impressive Rally1 accomplishments and focus squarely on clinching his first WRC2 title.
Pajari has had a landmark season, driving both the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID and Rally2 models and achieving two top-six finishes in the Rally1 category. Now, with a WRC2 title within reach, he and co-driver Enni Mälkönen are determined to leave a lasting mark in Japan. A top-two finish among WRC2 runners would secure them the championship, taking the crown from current leaders Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson, who will not be competing in Japan.
“When I was driving in Chile and Central European Rally [in the GR Yaris Rally1], I was focusing on those rallies,” said Pajari. “As soon as I finished in CER, I was focusing on Japan and the fight in WRC2.”
Navigating the season: Triumphs and challenges
This season has demonstrated Pajari’s versatility and resilience as he alternated between Rally1 and Rally2 classes. His recent performances in Chile and the Central European Rally, driving the GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID, showcased his ability to compete among top-tier drivers. The experience refined his approach and strengthened his resolve to secure the WRC2 title.
Though he acknowledges the excitement of driving the Rally1 car, Pajari is looking forward to Japan with his Rally2 vehicle. “Of course, it would be nice to stay in the Rally1 car, and it’s been fantastic to drive it this year,” he noted, adding optimistically, “but there are lots of positives going to Japan with the Rally2.”
A special connection to Japan
For Pajari, competing in Japan is more than a race—it’s a return to a place that has held a special place in his rallying career. His first overseas trip took him to Japan in 2022, where he experienced the intense enthusiasm of Japanese rally fans. In that year’s FORUM8 Rally Japan, he finished fifth in WRC2 while driving a Škoda. Now, with Toyota’s backing, Pajari is thrilled to return to Japan on a mission to win.
“It’s really nice to go to Japan,” he said. “The fans are amazing, and it will be really nice to compete on the home event for Toyota.”
Pajari’s path to rallying success
From a young age, Pajari has been destined for a life in rally. His first experience behind the wheel came at just 14, igniting a lifelong passion that would drive him to become one of the sport’s youngest competitors. Known for his speed and intense focus, Pajari won the Junior World Championship in 2021 as the youngest competitor to date. His achievement in the 2021 championship, combined with his debut in the WRC at Jyväskylä at 17, has solidified his reputation as a rising star in rallying.
In his own words, Pajari attributes his love for the sport to the sheer speed, but there’s more to his success: his relentless concentration and “seemingly endless coffee consumption” have also earned him a reputation among fans. When he’s not competing, he enjoys time in Finland, especially savoring a coffee at his summer house—a reminder of his roots amid a high-paced career.
Final rally of the season: Japan awaits
As Pajari and Mälkönen set their sights on Japan, anticipation is high. With Toyota’s support, his remarkable season behind him, and an unbreakable connection with Japanese fans, Pajari is ready for his title shot. A top-two finish in the rally would make him the WRC2 Champion, marking a major milestone in his career.
The countdown to Japan has begun, and with the race just around the corner, Sami Pajari is on the brink of making history. In a sport that thrives on speed, skill, and spirit, Pajari is primed to prove he has what it takes to be a champion.
