Toyota driver Sami Pajari swept all seven Friday stages of Rally Estonia, creating a 14.7‑second lead over Oliver Solberg.
Stage Dominance
Pajari began with the fastest shakedown time, then captured the first three stages to extend a 4.1‑second advantage before the mid‑day tyre change.
After securing six consecutive stage victories, he broke the pattern on stage seven, when the asphalt super special confirmed his flawless run.
Team and Machine Confidence
During a post‑stage interview, Pajari emphasized the car’s feel: “The driving was natural, no risk‑taking was needed – it was all under control.”
His teammate, Marko Salminen, rode the same Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, helping to cement Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT’s technical strength.
Opposition Dynamics
Solberg, who claimed a breakthrough WRC win on Estonia a year ago, admitted he was “not quite feeling it” and could not match the smoothness of his former victory.
Other front‑ranters included Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville; Fourmaux finished 1.8 seconds slower, while Neuville struggled with understeer, ending 9.3 seconds behind Solberg.
Mixed Outcomes for Other Drivers
Takamoto Katsuta’s front‑left tyre ruptured on stage six, costing him a minute and forcing retirement, though he will continue a day later as the first on the road.
Johann Steen et al. overcame penalties and mechanical issues to climb from tenth to sixth, while Östers came back on Saturday after a tyre failure.
Looking Ahead
With Friday’s clean sweep, Pajari has positioned himself as the most serious challenge for the overall title, while the remaining days will test the endurance of all drivers and machines alike.
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