Sami Pajari and Enni Mälkönen sealed the 2024 WRC2 and WRC2 Challenger titles in style, delivering a perfectly executed drive to finish second at FORUM8 Rally Japan.
Arriving at the season finale in Aichi with the knowledge that a top-two finish would secure both crowns, the Finnish duo rose to the occasion – maintaining a composed and consistent approach to lock in the runner-up spot from start to finish.
The result also marked a triumphant debut season for Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2, with Pajari showcasing the car’s potential throughout the campaign.
“It’s a really nice feeling,” Pajari beamed. “A big relief, after two days of driving a bit slowly and taking care of everything, not doing anything silly and reaching the finish line.
“[Thank you] to Toyota, to PrintSport, our family, our fans. We did it together, it is not only me and Enni, but the whole team. We did it together. Thank you everyone. I hope to drive some rallies next year, Toyota has been reliable this year so I want to continue on the same path.”
Victory in Japan went to Nikolay Gryazin, who dominated the event from the outset in his Citroën C3 Rally2. Gryazin delivered a commanding drive, leading from the opening stage to finish 1min 46.5sec clear of Pajari, claiming his third win of the season. Local hero Hiroki Arai overcame a rear differential issue on the final day to secure third place, trailing Gryazin by 3min 20sec.
Gus Greensmith climbed to fourth in his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 after capitalising on drama ahead. Heikki Kovalainen’s Toyota met a spectacular end on the same corner that claimed WRC leader Ott Tänak, with Kovalainen’s car landing on top of Tänak’s Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Fortunately, both drivers walked away unscathed.
Fabia driver Kajetan Kajetanowicz secured fifth, while home favourite Hikaru Kogure overcame a rollercoaster week to round out the top six in a Toyota. – www.fia.com
