Finnish crews delivered strong performances at Rally Japan over the weekend, with Sami Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen producing the standout Finnish result. The Toyota duo finished third overall, securing a podium finish in Toyota’s home event.
The rally was won by Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin ahead of Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais. Pajari and Salminen completed a Toyota podium sweep, finishing 51.4 seconds behind the winners.
The podium result ranks among Pajari’s strongest performances of the season, particularly as Japan’s narrow and highly technical asphalt roads have not traditionally been the most favourable conditions for Finnish drivers. The result also provided valuable championship points as the FIA World Rally Championship heads into the second half of the season.
Finnish colours were also well represented in the WRC2 category, where Emil Lindholm and Gabriel Morales finished fourth overall. While a podium finish remained out of reach this time, the pair collected important points in a highly competitive championship battle.
Finnish Results – Rally Japan
WRC
- 3rd Sami Pajari – Marko Salminen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)
WRC2
- 4th Emil Lindholm – Gabriel Morales (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2)
The FIA World Rally Championship continues next with the legendary Acropolis Rally in Greece, which will provide a completely different challenge following the demanding asphalt roads of Japan.
