Sami Pajari had the honor of driving Toyota’s new Rally2 car at the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo.
Sami Pajari and Enni Mälkönen drove a fairly clean Monte Carlo World Rally. PDO
In addition to Sami Pajar, three other drivers started the Monte Carlo race with Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 cars: the experienced French Bryan Bouffier and Stéphane Lefebvre and Spanish Jan Solans. Pajari was the fastest of this four at the end of the weekend.
In the class of Rally2 cars, Pajar’s and the new Toyota’s impact power was not enough for the top runners. Pajari finally finished fifth after being less than five minutes after taking the win From Yohan Rossel.
– This was a very interesting and challenging rally, as always. The biggest goal was fulfilled, because we reached the finish line without any major problems, Pajari said.
– We drove a few good split times and otherwise it was a smooth performance. We tried many things in the car and discovered new things.
Reaching the top three would have been a great performance for a new car’s debut in a classic competition. The weekend showed that there is still room for improvement in the car.
– This gives you motivation to try to come up with new things for the car and also for your own work. This consists of many things. Of course, a driver needs a good car, but the driver must also be good in order to be able to win with the car, Pajari underlined.
To hunt for points
Pajari is chasing World Cup points in the Swedish World Rally Championship. PDO
Pajari didn’t drive Montessa WRC2 class points yet, but in the next race in Sweden he will be in the points battle.
In the Umeå region, more can be expected from both Pajar and Toyota’s Rally2 car. The new competitor has been tested a lot in Finland, and in Sweden Pajari will be able to compete in familiar conditions.
– I have a good feeling about the car considering Sweden. I’ve already managed to drive a bit in such weather.
This year, Pajari will drive a full season in the second class of the World Championship, whose level is really tough.
– I expect it to be a really tight season, like the last couple of seasons have been. I believe that we will have a tough race and there are quite a few tough names in Sweden as well.