Toyota Gazoo Racing has expressed optimism for Sami Pajari’s future after his strong performance at the WRC event in Chile, where he finished sixth. Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala praised Pajari for exceeding expectations amidst challenging conditions. Pajari remains under consideration for Toyota’s 2025 driver lineup while continuing to gain valuable experience in the Rally1 category.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has expressed optimism for the future following Sami Pajari’s impressive performance during the World Rally Championship (WRC) event in Chile. Competing as a substitute for regular driver Takamoto Katsuta, Pajari showcased considerable skill and composure throughout the challenging rally, ultimately securing a sixth-place finish. This result came on the heels of his strong fourth-place debut in the Rally1 category earlier in Finland. Toyota’s team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, commended Pajari’s performance, stating that it exceeded expectations given the demanding circumstances of the competition. “He did what we wanted him to do. We couldn’t ask for more. We wanted him to have a consistent run, and we can see that there is speed. He said himself that he could do more, but I told him that we just wanted him to get more kilometers and get more comfortable in the car. “There are going to be more steps to climb in the future. What we have seen, I would be very encouraged to see him driving more events next year. There are some discussions but no decisions.” Amidst ongoing preparations for the 2025 season, Pajari remains under consideration for a more prominent role within Toyota’s driver lineup. As Toyota aims to solidify its team structure, it is anticipated that Kalle Rovanpera and Elfyn Evans will continue as full-time drivers, while Sebastien Ogier and Takamoto Katsuta also express potential involvement in future events. Reflecting on his rally experience, Pajari noted, “I was not expecting to be here, but it was really nice opportunity, so I’m super grateful to the team for once again making this possible. There were still a lot of positives from this rally, like I was really clean, and there were some really tricky conditions out there.” Pajari is set to participate in the upcoming Central European Rally as part of his ongoing development in the Rally1 category.
Sami Pajari’s involvement in the World Rally Championship represents an exciting opportunity for Toyota Gazoo Racing as they explore their driver lineup for the future. Pajari recently substituted for regular driver Takamoto Katsuta at the Rally Chile, where he successfully navigated challenging conditions to finish sixth overall. This performance, alongside his prior success in Finland, has prompted Toyota to consider him as a key player for their 2025 WRC campaign.
Toyota’s encouragement regarding Sami Pajari’s future in the WRC underscores the potential for his continued development within the team. His recent performances indicate a promising trajectory as he gains experience and confidence in the Rally1 category. As preparations for the 2025 season commence, Pajari’s consistent results are likely to influence Toyota’s strategic decisions regarding their driver lineup moving forward.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
