WRC

Sami Pajari wins Rally Finland after crashes for Ogier and Evans

Motorsport Technology
2 months ago
4 min read

Sami Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen backed up their impressive Rally Estonia win by winning again at their home Rally Finland after a dramatic weekend of time trial racing.

“I don’t know what to say,” Pajari is quoted on wrc.com. “It was a big thing to take the win in Estonia, but a home win is always something special.

Sami Pajari (FIN) and Marko Salminen (FIN) celebrate on the podium after winning the WRC Rally Finland / Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool /

“It has not always been too easy for the Finns, but after one really crazy rally, we made it.

“A big thanks, first of all, to the team, but also to all the fans for all the support. It’s simply amazing. Kiitos paljon – thank you, everyone!”

It had looked as if long-time pacesetter Sébastien Ogier would come out on top but for a huge incident on Saturday when the Frenchman crashed heavily on Västilä.

Thankfully both he and Toyota co-driver Julien Ingrassia emerged unscathed and were later released from hospital following precautionary examinations.

Sébastien Ogier seen during Stop 10 of the World Rally Championship in Jyvasküla, Finland on August 1, 2026. / Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool /

Ogier was not the only driver to experience drama on the tricky 30.02km Himos–Jämsä gravel test.

Championship leader Elfyn Evans recovered from a spectacular Saturday roll to claim third, spectators rallying together to return his heavily damaged GR Yaris Rally1 to the road to allow subsequent repair.

“It was a surreal set of circumstances,” added Evans. “More than anything, we owe thanks to the guys who fixed the car yesterday lunchtime. We always know we can depend on those guys.”

Coming home in second place was Oliver Solberg, 26.7sec adrift from the blemish free home driver.

With his latest victory, Pajari delivered a significant milestone for a country that embraces the sport.

It was the 200th WRC victory for a Finnish driver, and he becomes the 14th different Finn to win his home event during the WRC era.

Sami Pajari during Stop 10 of the World Rally Championship in Jyvasküla, Finland / Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool /

“I didn’t really expect to win,” he added. “I knew the challenge would be very big because this is a really tough event, even for the local drivers.

“Of course, I knew we could do it because we had already won in Estonia, but I still thought this rally would be even more difficult.”

It all means that Evans extends his championship lead 30 points over Pajari following his dramatic recovery to the podium.

Takamoto Katsuta sits third in the standings with Solberg fourth before stage racing next resumes for round 11 at Rally del Paraguay from 27 – 30 August.

“Whether we are fighting for the World Championship or for a stage win on a local national rally, I will always give everything and try to do the best job possible,” added Pajari.

“Of course, it is nice to be fighting for the World Championship, but I cannot change my approach.

“I would say that winning Rally Finland or becoming World Champion are almost equal. Winning here is a massive achievement.”

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