Jari-Matti Latvala has confirmed that WRC2 title contender Sami Pajari is a contender to drive in the World Rally Championship for Toyota in 2025.
The young Finn impressed on his recent Rally1 debut at Rally Finland, finishing fourth overall alongside co-driver Enni Malkonen in the GR Yaris.
Pajari’s impressive run in Finland included a superb drive to victory on stage nine with a time of 3:46.7 at the 22-year-old’s home event in the WRC.
The win during the ninth stage of Rally Finland also came after a mistake while driving through Stage 2, damaging the rear of his Toyota in the rain.
Latvala believes Pajari can be a full-time Rally1 driver in the future
Pajari recovered from his error early in the rally and drove admirably over all 20 stages. Latvala was also impressed and admits the 22-year-old could become a Rally1 driver for Toyota as soon as next year.
Latvala said via motorsport.com: “They did a great job, I think. It was a difficult start on the first stage, and it was looking not so promising. But the way he was able to put himself together, he then became very strong and got a fastest stage time.
“He’s very strong on the mental side, which was really good to see. I think he really showed his potential to be, let’s say, a full-time Rally1 driver.
“At the moment his focus is on WRC2 because we want him to try to fight for the championship. He still has a chance, and we want him to concentrate on that. But of course, we are talking about what we would do with him for next year.”
Kalle Rovanpera signed a multi-year contract with the team last season, although Toyota are yet to confirm their completed driver line-up for the 2025 season.
Toyota WRC team principal Latvala has now said Pajari is on the shortlist of drivers that the Japanese manufacturer are considering for a full-time drive next year. “Yes. Of course, we need to look and think about it.”
Latvala admitted that question marks still remain over Sebastien Ogier’s future ahead of making a decision on the line-up. Question marks also remain over the future of Takamoto Katsuta, who collided with a tree and damaged his right rear suspension at Rally Finland.
Pajari conceded points in the WRC2 title battle while driving in WRC
Pajari has been contending for the WRC2 title but lost points after making the step up to WRC with Toyota.
The championship leader, Oliver Solberg, took full advantage of his rival’s absence, winning the rally and extending his points lead to 28 points.
Four rounds remain in the WRC2 Championship, and the campaign continues with Rally Greece from the 5th-8th of September, followed by Rally Chile.
A couple of tarmac rallies will close the season with the Central European Rally before the campaign ends at Rally Japan.
Pajari said that he wants to make a quick return to Rally1 but his focus remains on clinching the WRC2 championship.
He said: “I hope very soon [to be back in a Rally1 car] after driving one week with this car, it is so amazing, and it is something I would really like to do as soon as possible.
“The main goal for this season is we are doing the full WRC2 campaign, and the championship fight is still on a good level for us.”