Sami Pajar’s movements are closely followed in the World Rally Championship in Japan.
According to Sami Pajar, there will be attention in Japan. Stock photo. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
The center of the Japanese asphalt race is Toyota City, which is named after the car manufacturer Toyota. So it’s clear that Toyota drivers are superstars in the city.
The Finnish driver of this Sami Pajari has been able to experience before the rally that starts on Friday.
– At every rally there is not necessarily a gang waiting outside our hotel. Now, when what we ate in the evening is gone, we have to be prepared for the fact that we will have to stay for a while to write stories, Pajari described to Iltalehte after the special test exam.
The worship of the Toyota drivers could also be seen at the time of the interview, because in the background a local man was waving a sign with Pajar’s name on it.
– This is certainly even more different as a Toyota driver. The local fan culture is quite intense – and in a very positive sense, Pajari smiled.
And what would be even better than winning the Japanese race as a Toyota driver. This season, Pajari has already been close to the first number one position in his career, and the goals have been set high this weekend as well.
– We’ve had a pretty good early season and there have been a lot of podiums. We also had good things to do in Portugal, although it was a different rally than here. The result was ultimately bad (due to a flat tire). Let’s just try to go with the same rhythm, said Pajari, who took four podium places this year.
A tight fight for victory
Sami Pajar has fans in Japan. Toni Heinonen
The competition is expected to be a struggle between Toyota drivers, as Hyundai has had big problems in asphalt rallies. Basically, all five Toyota drivers – Pajari, Sebastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and Oliver Solberg – can fight for the number one spot.
– We’ll see how the Hyundais come. They’ve had their troubles, but is it still the same or not? I’m not the only one who wants to win this competition, so the competition often becomes quite tough, Pajari reflected.
Dry and hot weather has been predicted for the race weekend, so even in terms of the conditions, the rally can be smooth. Pajar has a clear tactic in mind, with which he will go for the top ranking.
– Yes, it should be driven completely from the beginning. The route is pretty much the same as last year. For me, it would be even more pleasant if there were even more new things. In practice, only tomorrow’s first clip is completely new. So you have to be at a good pace right away, Pajari emphasized.
The World Rally Championship in Japan starts on Friday, when the program includes six special stages.
