Double stage winner Sami Pajari consolidates his third place in Sweden: "It puts a smile on my face"  

Young Sami Pajari delivered an impeccable performance on the third day of the Rally from Sweden. Chased by Oliver Solberg, playing at home, the Finn did not waver and imposed his rule on the Swede's land.

This penultimate day of the Rally Sweden was indeed marked by two stage wins for Sami Pajari, during SS12 and SS14. A very positive day; I'm not thinking too much about the end of the rally. There's still a long way to go. A very positive afternoon, taking two stage wins. The conditions were very pleasant, and it was a pleasure to drive the car. It puts a smile on my face. " he confided to AUTO's microphonehebdo, present on site. He adds: This afternoon was close to [being my best performance in WRCI have to prove that this is the level I belong to. »

Sami Pajari, who has been solid since the start of the week, still holds third place in the overall standings, with a comfortable 33-second lead over his nearest rival. This gives him some breathing room, although everything could still change in the three special stages to be run on Sunday.

But it is perhaps even Takamoto Katsuta, relegated to second place in the event by Elfyn Evans, whom the Finn could go after: he is only 12,1 seconds behind his Japanese teammate.

If the Finn maintains his remarkable consistency, he could confirm his level and secure his second podium in the World Rally Championship, after his first success at the Rally Japan in 2025 (third).

Interview by Pierre Barré, special correspondent in Umeå, Sweden. 

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