Sami Pajari has been chosen to replace Takamoto Katsuta for the upcoming Rally Chile and the Central European Rally.
The 22-year-old Finnish driver and his co-driver Enni Malkonen will run the Toyota Gazoo GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid for WRC round in Chile at the end of September, and the all-tarmac round in Central Europe in October.
This comes after Takamoto Katsuta who has been a full-time Toyota driver has struggled in recent events, leading to the decision to bench him for the upcoming two rallies.
The decision by Toyota Gazoo Racing marks a significant moment in Pajari’s career as he steps into a prominent role within the team, underscoring the confidence the team has in his abilities as a driver.
Sami Pajari has been making waves in the rallying world with his impressive performances in various competitions. He has been a part of Toyota’s junior program, which has seen him develop his skills and gain valuable experience in the Rally2 category.
Pajari’s journey in motorsport began at a young age, and he quickly established himself as a formidable racer in the junior ranks. His ability to adapt to different terrains and conditions has been a hallmark of his driving style, making him a suitable candidate for the demanding WRC events.
The decision to promote the young driver comes at a crucial time in the WRC season, with Rally Chile set to take place from September 26 to 29, 2024.
The event will be Pajari and Malkonen’s first outing in the Rally1 car, and the pressure will be on the duo to perform well against some of the best drivers in the world, including Kalle Rovanperä, Sébastien Ogier, and Elfyn Evans.
“It is amazing to have this chance to drive the GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid on two more events this season,” the Finn said. “It feels really nice to know that TGR-WRT is putting this trust in me.
“Rally Finland was like a dream come true for me, and after that of course I just wanted to drive a Rally1 car more and more, but I could not have expected that the opportunity would come again so soon.
“I’m really looking forward to Rally Chile, with some nice gravel roads that are mostly flowing and high-speed, so a bit similar to Finland.
“Central Europe can be even more demanding given how wet and muddy we saw it can be last year. For my first time in a Rally1 car on asphalt on such a rally, it could be quite a challenge but it’s one that I’m really happy to face, of course.”
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s decision to bring Pajari into the fold reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining a competitive edge in the WRC as they attempt to close down the 35 points gap to Championship rivals Hyundai.
“After the great performance that Sami Pajari showed at Rally Finland, we wanted to see more of what he can do in a Rally1 car,” Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala said.
“The main goal in Finland was to gain experience, but he already demonstrated his high potential. In Greece too, he again showed the high level he’s been driving at with the GR Yaris Rally2 car.
“As we look to invest further in talented young drivers for the future, it’s important to learn more about Sami’s abilities, firstly on some different gravel roads on the other side of the world in Chile, and then on asphalt in Central Europe.
“He will be driving a fourth car, so there is no pressure upon him to contribute towards the championship. For us it’s more about investing in the future and gaining that experience.
“For Taka, it has been a tough season, but he has the full support of the team and everybody knows that he has the speed.
“With this break, he has a chance to reset and recharge ready for the last two events which will be important – especially Rally Japan of course, where we hope he can be fighting for the podium places again.”
The uocoming Rally Chile presents a unique set of challenges for drivers, with its combination of stunning landscapes and demanding stages.
The event is characterized by its mix of fast gravel roads, technical sections, and unpredictable weather, making it essential for drivers to have a deep understanding of the terrain. Therefore Pajari’s experience in various rally formats will be crucial as he navigates these challenges.
The rally will take place in the picturesque region of Concepción, known for its breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.
