Pajari: I want to make Toyota smile

Leading constructors Toyota have put up a formidable line up to defend the title.

23-year-old Finn Sami Pajari who is making his debut in the Safari Rally.

Standard Sports writer Ochieng Oyugi caught up with the reigning WRC2 champion in Naivasha and here is what the speedster said.

Question: Hello Sami, how does it feel to be in Kenya?

Answer:Great. It’s my second time here and the scenery is beautiful. Last year, I was here with Toyota but I did not compete. I was in Kenya to attend the recce, visit the rally stages and watch the Safari Rally for experience purposes.

What’s your sentiments on Kenya, compared to your home country Finland?

Two worlds apart. I love the scenery in Kenya, especially the animals that make this country and the whole of Africa a must visit place. I have totally been mesmerised by the flora and fauna that I have been seeing during the competition, like I met zebras and gazelles on the second stage at Mzabibu, along the Nakuru-Naivasha Highway.

Your experience in the Safari Rally so far?

It’s a rough outing, a stone already broke my windscreen in the opening stage. I think it’s quite the kind of challenge I was out for in Kenya. I believe it is what will strengthen me to be the next world beater in the series, as I battle in the Rally 1 category.

How do you feel to be part of the final Toyota lineup drawn for the Safari Rally?

It’s an honour. Absolutely great. It’s a nice feeling at my age. Toyota has great history in the Safari Rally where they have shattered records so to be part of this history making team is really an honour.

What are you promising Toyota on Kenyan soil?

I want to show them that I’m really strong in this event so I’m aiming to finish the rally and land in the top three. I promise to do my best and make my sponsors smile. I also want to return the car in one piece so I’m avoiding anything stupid things on the tough roads by having a good clean drive, clean flow, dodging imminent mistakes, avoiding pushing too much and just trying to be clever on the terrains.

Your personal target in the rally?

To have fun, finish the rally and be in the podium. I will be happy if I land in the top three on Sunday.

You are the youngest in the Toyota squad for the Safari, how do you feel about that?

I’m proud of my team mates; Kalle Rovanpera , Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta.They are all experienced compared to me. They are equipping me with tips, skills and secrets of their impressive performances in the Safari Rally and other legs in the WRC series. I have so far received moral support from them as they continue to guide me in this global championship. I’m mastering their skills with lots of keenness.

Your ultimate dream in motorsports?

To be a world champion in the main category some day. I have  given myself a span of 10 years to achieve this, even though I know all is possible even now.

I’m also proud to be dominating the world, as right now I’m the reigning WRC2 champion. I also was the Junior WRC champion in 2021. I also won the 2019 Finland Rally back in my country. So, all dreams are possible.