Finnish rally fans received the perfect boost ahead of Secto Rally Finland as Sami Pajari celebrated the first FIA World Rally Championship victory of his career at Rally Estonia on Sunday. The win was also the 199th WRC victory by a Finnish driver, meaning the next opportunity to reach the remarkable milestone of 200 comes at Secto Rally Finland.
Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen dominated the fast gravel roads of Estonia from start to finish. The Toyota duo took the lead on the opening day as Pajari won all seven special stages on Friday. He maintained his advantage throughout the weekend and secured his maiden WRC victory by 19.5 seconds over Oliver Solberg.
The victory was historic in many ways. Pajari became the 83rd different winner in FIA World Rally Championship history and the 17th Finnish driver to win a WRC event. At the same time, Finnish drivers increased their all-time tally of WRC victories to 199.
– This is an absolutely incredible feeling. We have worked towards this moment with determination for a long time, even though there have also been more difficult periods along the way. I want to thank everyone who has believed in me throughout this journey. A huge thank you also goes to my entire support team and Toyota Gazoo Racing. This would not have been possible without their support.
Rally Estonia also provided a strong indication of what could be in store at Secto Rally Finland. Both events are contested on high-speed gravel roads, and Pajari arrives at his home event carrying the momentum of his maiden WRC victory.
From a Finnish perspective, the stage is perfectly set. Pajari’s triumph in Estonia raised Finland’s total number of WRC victories to 199. What better place could there be for the historic 200th Finnish WRC victory than Secto Rally Finland on the legendary gravel roads of Central Finland?
All eyes will now be on Pajari, but he will not be the only Finnish driver aiming for victory in Jyväskylä. Several of the country’s top stars will be chasing success on home soil, with one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends of the season offering another opportunity to write a new chapter in Finnish rally history.
Will Secto Rally Finland witness the 200th WRC victory by a Finnish driver?
