Toyota racers optimistic of a good Safari Rally show
The youngest WRC Rally driver this year, Sami Pajari, 24, of Finland is looking ahead to a great experience on his debut
Toyota Gazoo Racing Team has exhibited confidence ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 FIA-WRC Safari Rally expected to rev off today in Nairobi before heading to Naivasha through to Sunday.
The team, led by Finnish defending champion Kalle Rovanperä, on Wednesday signed autographs for their fans at the CFAO Mobility headquarters in Nairobi vowing to get back another win on the board to boost their chances on the WRC 2025 challenge. Expectations are high with new stages and tougher conditions anticipated due to the rains but it is all systems go with Team Toyota relishing a challenge proper this year.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of autograph sessions, Rovanpera was upbeat of his chances following earlier shakedown in Soysambu.
“I am really excited to be here and also with the aim to defend our title. I know it will not be easy to win but we will try our best to get the job done. This is one my best places for experience and we expect an exciting weekend of rallying action in Kenya once again. The plan is to approach it with calm because it will be an adventure and we want to have fun at the same time,” said the 24-year-old who is currently in third placed in the driver standings with 31 points.
He added; “So far, based on what we have seen on the recce and shakedown, the route looks good but of course now there are some rougher stages but we are ready regardless. We just have to stay consistent but for sure we will be strong out there because we have gone through our map but overall we have a good and strong car ready to compete.”
On his part, Japanese driver Takamuta Katsuta was elated to be hit Kenya a fifth time and was ready to go all out alongside his Irish navigator Aaron Johnston.
“It is nice to be back for my fifth time here and it is a nice race for us. I feel at home here and I am looking forward to us doing well. It will be a big challenge with internal competition and other teams as well but of course we are here to try and win. Last year was fun but we have made some adjustments on the car and look forward to do a better job. I want to build on my second place finish in Rally Sweden so it is about staying focused,” said 32-year-old Katsuta who is sixth placed on the table with 25 points.
Meanwhile, the youngest WRC Rally driver this year, Sami Pajari, 24, of Finland is also looking ahead to a great experience on his debut at the Safari Rally.
“It is obviously my first time doing a rally in Africa but I am excited. Obviously, the conditions are different from what I am used to. It will be a nice challenge and I love the scenery. From the shakedown, some sections seem tricky but I am sure we will adapt. We are learning the conditions but we will just focus on our race and try to make a finish and get points. It was nice to win a championship last year but in Rally 1, things will be different and it is a step higher,” he said.
