Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT confirmed today that Sami Pajari will make his debut in World Rally Championship at Rally Latvia which will be held on July 18-21.
The young Finn driver made his first appearance in WRC2 class with Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 two years ago, but he did not score a victory that season. Skoda Motorsport and Toksport renewed his contract in 2023 where he secured one win in WRC2 class and four wins in WRC2 Challenger. In fact, he finished third on the championship in WRC2 Challenger a year ago before his switching into a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 this season. The Japanese team trusted him to test its new car in Monte Carlo last December and was able to secure a WRC2 campaign with PrintSport in 2024 where he has claimed one victory and two wins in WRC2 and WRC2 Challenger respectively. Last but not least, it must be mentioned that he became the second Toyota driver who won an event in WRC2 class as Jan Solans scored the maiden win of Toyota in WRC2 class in Portugal.
"It feels amazing to have this opportunity with Toyota Gazoo Racing", Pajari said.
"This is something that I have been working towards for many years, but it is not so often that there is a seat available in a Rally1 car.
"It will be a huge challenge because there are so many new things to learn, and the pace at the top level is also really high.
"But I will try to not focus on the result too much or feel any pressure on that side, and just aim to enjoy and gain all the experience I can for the future.
"At least in Latvia the stages are mostly fast and flowing, something that I’m quite used to from Finland, and it’s also basically a fresh event for everyone, so in this sense we are more or less starting from the same place as the top drivers.
"I hope that if we can do well, then maybe there can be a chance for something nice in the future, but that’s something I can only think about much later.
"For now, I'll just focus on this one rally and enjoy it".
We're giving @samipajari and @EnniMalkonen their Rally1 debut! 🙌
— TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT (@TGR_WRC) June 6, 2024
One of rallying's most exciting young talents, Sami has impressed with the #GRYarisRally2 this year and will drive an additional GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid on Rally Latvia 🤩#ToyotaGAZOORacing #GRYaris #WRC pic.twitter.com/8AdfexSLUQ
Photo Credits: Red Bull Content Pool
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