Pajari among Toyota’s driver options for 2025 WRC

Sami Pajari is a potential driver for Toyota in next year’s World Rally Championship, according to team boss Jari-Matti Latvala, after an impressive Rally1 debut in Finland.

Toyota gave WRC2 title contenders Pajari and co-driver Enni Malkonen the chance to show their potential in a fifth GR Yaris Rally1 car at Rally Finland last weekend.

The duo attracted attention by finishing fourth overall and took their first stage win by setting the fastest time on stage ninth (Ruuhimaki).

The event ended strongly after Pajari was caught out by the tricky wet conditions on stage two, suffering a wild moment that damaged the rear of his car.

His performances during the 20 stages have impressed Latvala, who believes it is proof that Pajari has the potential to become a full-time Rally1 driver in the future.

“They did a great job, I think. It was a difficult start on the first stage and it didn’t look that promising. But the way he put himself together, he came on really strong after that and set a fastest stage time,” Latvala told Autosport.

“He’s very strong mentally, that was really good to see. I think he really showed his potential to be, let’s say, a full-time Rally1 driver.

Sami Pajari, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

Photo by: Toyota Racing

“At the moment his focus is on WRC2 because we want him to try and fight for the championship. He still has a chance and we want him to focus on that. But of course we are talking about what we would do with him next year.”

Toyota has not yet announced its full driver line-up for next year, although Kalle Rovanpera signed a multi-year deal last year that includes a full-time season next year.

When asked if Pajari was among the team’s options to consider for next year, he added: “Yes. Of course we have to look at it and think about it.”

Pajari said he was pleased with his performance at Rally Finland, but is aware that there is still room for improvement.

“There are so many emotions that it is not easy to choose which one is the most important,” Pajari said.

“Of course I am very happy with the great performance we have done and this result is really acceptable for the first rally in Rally1. And then one stage win is, let’s say, the icing on the cake.

“But there are a lot of things I would like to do much better. There is always room for improvement.

“The emotions are a bit mixed, the result on paper is very nice, but if you look at the fact that Kalle (from the lead) retired on the penultimate stage, I can’t be that happy, because for the team it’s a big loss and for Kalle himself, but I think it shows how difficult this rally has been. Many, many drivers had some problems along the way.”

Pajari admitted he would like to return to Rally1 “very quickly”, but he remains focused on the fight for the WRC2 title.

“I hope to be back in a Rally1 car very soon, after having driven this car for a week. It’s so great and it’s something I’d really like to do as soon as possible,” he added.

“The main goal for this season is to complete the full WRC2 campaign, and the championship fight is still at a good level for us.”