Sami Pajari reflects on a remarkable second season at the top level, highlighting his three victories, nine podiums and near-miss in the title fight.
Entering his second full season in Rally1 competition, Pajari was regarded as one of the most promising drivers of the new generation. Few, however, could have expected him to finish the year just six points away from becoming World Rally Champion.
With co-driver Marko Salminen alongside him, Pajari ended the season third in the drivers’ championship with 237 points, only one point behind team-mate Oliver Solberg and six behind eventual champion Elfyn Evans.
After a difficult Rallye Monte-Carlo, Pajari quickly found his pace and became one of the most consistent drivers of the season. He collected an impressive three victories and nine podium finishes, more podiums than any other driver. His biggest breakthrough came during the summer, when he won three consecutive rallies in Estonia, Finland and Paraguay, becoming the first driver to achieve such a run with his first three WRC victories.
Those results transformed Pajari from a promising young driver into a genuine championship contender. He remained in the title fight until the final round in Sardinia, where he finished third and ultimately missed the crown by only six points.
"We lost it by only six points, so it was still very, very close", Pajari said.
"Still, we had a good season and we need to be happy.
"Three wins, nine podiums – more than anyone else, really.
"That’s incredible.
"After the terrible Monte Carlo, on almost every rally we had competitive pace.
"Many times we were on the podium, many times we were close to the win.
"So I think we need to be very, very happy.
"It’s only my second season at the top level.
"At the same time, Elfyn has been around for 10 years or more.
"Oliver was first in Rally1 when I was in Rally4".
Source: wrc.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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