Sami Pajari is a driver tipped for the future in the World Rally Championship after enjoying an impressive 2024 season so far.
The 22-year-old Finn is currently competing in WRC2 – the category below the WRC – driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 for Printsport.
Pajari is sat second in the standings just three points behind Oliver Solberg, having finished on the podium in five of the eight rallies he has competed in, winning three of them in Sardinia, Poland and Greece.
Toyota handed Pajari his debut in the WRC at his home event in Rally Finland, where he impressed with fourth place overall, whilst also grabbing his maiden stage win.
And as part of his development, the Japanese manufacturer will hand him another WRC appearance at the next round in Chile at the expense of Takamoto Katsuta.
Sami Pajari to replace Takamoto Katsuta at Rally Chile
It has been a torrid 2024 season for Katsuta thus far, as after 10 rounds, the Japanese driver has only finished on the podium once, finishing second in Kenya.
The 31-year-old has also only finished in the top five on one other occasion as he has encountered several issues and accidents across the season.
READ MORE: WRC 2025 driver line-up with every team’s confirmed entry for the season
Last time out at Acropolis Rally Greece, Katsuta and his Toyota teammates suffered multiple issues as Hyundai recorded a one-two-three finish. Following the event, team principal Jari-Matti-Latvala urged his drivers to forget about their title chances as he looks to perform strong at the final three rounds of the season.
And as part of this new target, Toyota have decided to sideline Katsuta for Rally Chile in favour of Pajari. Speaking with Motorsport.com, Pajari was left feeling ‘a bit sorry’ for Katsuta.
“Obviously, after Rally Finland, I was only hoping for some extra seat time, and I didn’t see it coming so soon, so of course the feeling from that side is really nice to get some more experience and more seat time with such a great and fast car,” he said.
“It’s just really nice to drive it, but of course there is some challenge as well. It’s not so easy there [in Chile], but I can’t wait to be back in the car and learn more.
“It has been really challenging this year for the team, and especially lately and also for Taka, so I feel a bit sorry for him, but I hope he’s doing fine and he will be back soon again in the Rally1 car. But also at the same time, I’m looking forward for my own outing.
“The plan is just to get more experience and more seat time and get the really valuable kilometres with the Rally1 car and that’s it, so no pressure on the result.”
Toyota want three full-time drivers in the WRC in 2025
Katsuta’s benching for Chile comes after Toyota team principal Latvala revealed that he wants to have a third full-time driver in his line-up for 2025.
Latvala admitted to making a mistake with his 2024 line-up due to the Japanese manufacturer falling behind their rivals Hyundai in the championship.
Eight-time champion Sebastien Ogier has confirmed he will never compete full-time in the WRC again, while Kalle Rovanpera is set to return to a full-time seat come 2025.
Pajari could also be an option with his performances in WRC2, putting Katsuta under pressure to keep his seat for next season.