Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT2’s Finnish pairing, Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen, delivered a splendid return to podium form at WRC Rally Sweden, rebounding impressively from a deeply frustrating Monte Carlo weekend. The pace that had yielded podium contention at the close of last season was conspicuously absent at the year’s curtain-raiser, where the rally ended in disappointment following two off-road incidents. On Sweden’s rapid, snow-lined stages, however, Pajari rediscovered his rhythm, combining speed with commendable composure to secure third place overall, as Toyota celebrated a commanding four-car sweep.
The rally began on Thursday with the Umeå special stage, whose concluding section weaves through the now-familiar amphitheatre of the Red Barn Arena. This spectator-friendly finale, utilised no fewer than four times during the event, had been meticulously iced. Pajari opened his account with the fourth-fastest time.
“The first stage was not quite perfect,” Pajari reflected. “It always has its own character. There was snow dust in places, visibility on some of the straights wasn’t ideal, and one had to be rather precise about positioning. Tomorrow we shall aim to improve.”
Despite slightly reduced snowfall compared with previous years, conditions otherwise proved ideal for winter rallying.
“There’s less snow this year, but the conditions are otherwise excellent. Setting the fastest time on the opening shakedown run was very encouraging. The feeling in the car is extremely good. We’ll do our utmost and hopefully that will place us in podium contention.”
Any early speculation that road cleaning might significantly favour those starting further back quickly dissipated on Friday. Competitive times were being set from the head of the order. With stages run twice, the second pass frequently revealed polished, icy gravel within the racing line—a notoriously unforgiving adversary for tyre studs.
Pajari’s most incisive pace emerged on the first two stages of the afternoon loop, where he posted the second-fastest time on both occasions. By the final pair of tests, tyre grip had inevitably dulled. While content with third place, Pajari remained characteristically measured in his appraisal, trailing rally leader Takamoto Katsuta by 22.2 seconds.
“It’s pleasing to be in a strong position, though I had hoped for slightly more pace. There remains a considerable distance ahead. Tomorrow brings different roads and a revised running order.”
Saturday followed a similar script, with frontrunners once again demonstrating formidable speed. Any minor cleaning advantage was influenced by the intervening runs of Historic-class competitors, whose passage subtly altered the surface. The icy gravel continued to challenge studs throughout the field.
Pajari and Salminen excelled in the afternoon, recording two stage wins. Evaluating Saturday’s stage times alone, Pajari ranked second overall, bettered only by Elfyn Evans, who had surged into the rally lead that morning. In the general classification, Evans led Katsuta by 13.3 seconds, with Pajari a further 12.1 seconds adrift.
Championship leader Oliver Solberg was unable to reduce the gap to the leading trio, leaving Pajari precisely one second ahead entering Sunday.
“I’m very satisfied, particularly with the afternoon. The conditions have been magnificent. Sunday remains a long day, and we shall endeavour to keep the pressure on Takamoto, though he too is driving exceedingly well.”
Sunday’s itinerary comprised just three special stages, dominated by the twice-run Västervik (25.45 km). The opening pass did not quite mirror Saturday’s sparkle, yielding the fourth-fastest time, with approximately ten seconds conceded to the leading Toyota crews.
“It was extremely slippery and somehow rather untidy. The feeling wasn’t what it had been yesterday, and I sensed the time would not be exceptional. We must attempt to improve on the next run.”
Improve he did. On the second pass, Pajari was edged only by Katsuta—by a scant tenth of a second—despite the Finn’s own modest expectations.
“It felt rather poor, to be honest. I certainly didn’t anticipate a competitive time. A slight mystery, really. Now for a regroup, perhaps a brief rest, and then the Power Stage.”
At the finish of the rally-ending Power Stage, Pajari and Salminen emerged smiling broadly. Risks were judiciously avoided, yet the crew still claimed valuable Sunday points with the fourth-fastest time. Third place overall marked a thoroughly satisfying outcome.
“I’m immensely pleased. It’s wonderful to be back on the podium, and this provides an excellent foundation. There is undoubtedly scope to climb even higher.”
The championship caravan now departs Sweden’s crisp winter air for the altogether different challenge of WRC Safari Rally Kenya. With a four-week interlude before the next round, preparations will soon commence on African soil.