What can we expect from Toyota’s rising star?

Sami Pajari is set to take his career to the next level in the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season as he steps into the Toyota Rally1 full-time, ready to face the toughest competition of his career. After winning the Junior WRC title and securing the WRC2 Championship, Pajari is now preparing for the ultimate challenge in the world of rally racing, with Toyota placing their trust in the 22-year-old Finnish driver. But as Pajari himself acknowledges, the real work is just beginning.

Pajari’s Impressive Rise Through the Ranks

Pajari’s journey in rally racing has been impressive, and his consistency and growth as a driver have made him a standout prospect for Toyota. After securing his first significant victory in Junior WRC in 2021, Pajari has built on that momentum, proving his talent with multiple podium finishes and three wins in WRC2 this year. Alongside Enni Mälkönen, his co-driver, Pajari claimed the WRC2 title, showcasing his skill and competitive edge in a highly competitive field. His performance in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 at Rally Japan was a clear highlight of his season, and it earned him three Rally1 appearances for Toyota, including his impressive fourth-place finish at Rally Finland, where he even secured a stage win in his debut at the highest level.

However, as Pajari prepares to transition into the top-tier WRC competition, he recognizes that the challenge will be much greater. The competition in Rally1 will be fiercer, with faster, more powerful cars and world-class drivers like Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, and Sebastien Ogier on the roster. Pajari knows that his dream of competing full-time in WRC will require hard work, adaptability, and constant improvement.

Adjusting to the Rally1 Challenge

Pajari has made it clear that his main goal in 2025 will be to fully adapt to the Rally 1 car and perform consistently at a high level. He is aware that the bar is set higher in this class, and every stage and corner will be more critical than ever. “The competition is higher in Rally1 than in Rally2,” he explained. “There’s a fast driver at every stage, so you can’t afford to have even one bad corner or stage, or you’ll lose time immediately.”

The 2025 Rally 1 cars will no longer feature hybrid engines, which Pajari sees as both a challenge and an opportunity to adjust and learn before transitioning to the hybrid-powered cars in 2026. He emphasized that his focus would be on maintaining consistent speed and improving on various aspects of his driving, including adapting to the high-level competition.

Learning from the Best: A Bright Future with Toyota

Despite the immense challenges, Pajari feels confident with the support and mentorship he is receiving from the seasoned drivers at Toyota. He has been able to learn from the best in the sport, including two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä and Sebastien Ogier, and he knows this will be invaluable as he navigates the WRC’s top-tier competition. “It’s amazing to learn from the Toyota drivers,” Pajari said. “They have supported me a lot, and without their help, things would have been much harder.”

While Pajari is not expecting immediate victories, he is setting realistic goals for his first full season. “We’ve already set some quick stage times, and my aim is to improve every time I’m out there,” he added. “Eventually, I hope to stand on the podium and win some races, but I know that’s not the goal for next year. I’ll focus on improving step by step.”

A New Co-Driver and a New Chapter

One of the new challenges Pajari will face in 2025 is the change in his co-driver. After a successful three-year partnership with Enni Mälkönen, who helped him win the WRC2 title, Pajari will be looking for a new co-driver as they part ways following Rally Japan. Pajari has had different co-drivers throughout his career, and he believes this change is the right move at this point in his career.

Pajari’s confidence, adaptability, and focus on continuous improvement will be key to his success as he steps into the world’s premier rally championship. The 2025 WRC season will undoubtedly be a test of his abilities, but with the support of Toyota and the experience of top-tier competitors, Pajari is poised to make a lasting impact in the sport.