Sami Pajari finished the 2026 World Rally Championship in third place, a single defeat that stretched over six points from the new champion Elfyn Evans.
Sami Pajari’s campaign: nine podiums from thirteen rallies
In his second season at WRC level, the 24‑year‑old secured victories first in Estonia, then in consecutive events in Finland and Paraguay. His Toyota GR Yaris Rally 1 positioned the drivers on the podium nine times – the most by any pairing this season.
Despite a crash‑heavy Monte Carlo, Pajari and co‑driver Marko Salminen kept pace on most stages, earning stage wins and challenging for the top spot at almost every rally. The pair finished third behind Oliver Solberg in Sardinia, the decisive title race where the point gap to Evans, 17 points behind, could not be closed.
Regulation impact and personal development
After the championship was held, Pajari revealed a belief that the absence of Super Sunday points under the current rules may have cost him the title. “The only thing that left us short was the special stage points,” he said of Motorsport.com, acknowledging the drivers’ fierce competitiveness.
He considered the season a strong progression, reaching “very, very close” after less than a decade of top‑tier experience. He framed the season as an “excellent learning experience” and stressed that making more aggressive moves could deliver better results in the future.
Looking ahead: risk and confidence
Pajari candidly stated that he must “take more risks” to advance further, especially on weekend stages where he now feels capable of exceeding his own limits. He highlighted a moment in Sardinia where a single stage win showcased his Sunday speed, calling for greater confidence on the difficult terrain.
With a younger profile and a record of podium finishes, Pajari intends to build on this foundation and pose a substantial challenge for subsequent titles.
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