Sami Pajari was certain that his first win in World Rally Championship was coming considering his performance on the first half of the season and reveals that he never gave up believing in his potential.
The young Finn finished did not start his 2026 WRC season in a positive way as he had an accident in Monte Carlo. However, he managed to finish five times on the podium positions after the season opener and now achieved his first ever WRC win at Rally Estonia which was held last weekend. Pajari and Elfyn Evans topped the Shakedown times last Friday, but we did not expect his domination throughout the event. In fact, he won 12 out of 18 stages in Estonia and Oliver Solberg was the first Rally1 driver who stopped his teammate by winning consecutive stages. Also, Pajari was managing his lead over the second Oliver Solberg who found his pace on Saturday morning by winning the two final stages of the loop. On Saturday afternoon, Pajari won the first three stages as Thierry Neuville and Solberg were able to stop him whereas he lost the chance to grab some valuable extra points on Sunday as Solberg was in charge. After the end of Rally Estonia, Pajari moved ahead of the fourth Sebastien Ogier on the championship with 144 points and is just eight points behind the second Takamoto Katsuta.
"It’s simply an amazing feeling. ‘Arigato gozaimasu’ to Morizo-san and everyone at TGR-WRT for your support and for trusting in me", Pajari said.
"Thanks to all my supporters, family and friends who stood behind me even when we had tricky times.
"I also want to thank myself for not giving up and for continuing to push.
"We’ve had a good first part of the season and after being so many times on the podium, there was no doubt this result was coming, but it’s never easy at this level.
"This is one of my favourite rallies together with Finland, and I was just enjoying the driving and everything felt natural.
"Let’s now enjoy the moment before our home event at Rally Finland".
Photo Credits: Toyota
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