Toyota’s Sami Pajari is gearing up for one of the toughest tests of his career as he tackles the legendary Safari Rally Kenya for the first time this week (20 – 23 March).
The 23-year-old Finn, contesting his first full season in a GR Yaris Rally1, is relishing the opportunity to take on the punishing African terrain. But after opening his campaign on the asphalt of Rallye Monte-Carlo and the frozen forests of Rally Sweden, round three presents an entirely new challenge.
“The season has started with some very specific rallies,” Pajari acknowledged. “So it’s not been easy, but so far we have done some nice stage times and had many positive moments, and hopefully it can continue like this in Kenya.
“I was there for the recce last year, so I know a little bit what the roads are like, but it’s still going to be a huge challenge. The team has been really good there over the past few years, so I can expect the car to be strong, but I’m focused on my own performance as well.
“The target is just to gain as much experience as we can, but we’re also there to do our best and in a rally like this, anything can happen. It will be tough, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Written by WRC
