Pajari Chasing Junior WRC Title

Following his debut excursion in a Rally2 vehicle in the World Rally Championship, reigning Junior WRC champion Sami Pajari is seeking further opportunities later in the season, preferably on his home rally in Finland.

Pajari had the option of a Ford Fiesta Rally2 or Rally3 as a trophy for winning the junior world title in 2021, but he chose the less powerful version to learn his trade in four-wheel-drive.

That means he’ll be defending his JWRC title this year, which is normally used as a stepping stone for drivers looking to move up the ranks.

However, because the JWRC calendar only has five rounds, Pajari is free to pursue other options.

He got an agreement to drive a Toksport Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo on Sardinia during last week’s Rally Italy. Pajari came in 12th overall, finishing fifth in WRC2 and fourth in WRC2 Junior, with the second-fastest stage time in WRC2 on Saturday afternoon.

Despite Pajari’s eagerness to get back behind the wheel of a Rally2 car, he emphasises that the season’s ultimate goal is to achieve success in the Rally3 machine. Of course, if he wins the championship, he’ll get a free Rally2 car in 2023.