Sami Pajari Dominates Rally Estonia Day One with Clean Sweep of All Stages
Finn Sami Pajari won all seven stages on the first full day of Rally Estonia, building a 14.7-second lead over Oliver Solberg. Estonian drivers shone in WRC2, with Robert Virves leading the category.
The first full day of Rally Estonia saw a dominant performance by Toyota driver Sami Pajari, who claimed victory on all seven stages held on Friday. The 24-year-old Finn built a comfortable lead of 14.7 seconds over his closest rival, Oliver Solberg of Norway. Adrien Fourmaux sits third, 16.5 seconds behind the leader.
Estonian drivers made their presence felt in the WRC2 category, with eight home competitors in the second-tier class. Robert Virves, last year's WRC2 winner and currently sixth in the standings, leads the category after day one. He noted the high pace and small gaps, saying he was trying to avoid mistakes. Making his World Rally Championship debut, 19-year-old Vaher is in fourth in WRC2 and claimed his first stage win on stage three. Other Estonians include Romet Jürgenson, Patrick Enok, Egon Kaur, and event organizer Urmo Aava.
The morning shakedown saw Toyota lock out the top five, with championship leader Elfyn Evans and Pajari sharing fastest time. Latvian driver Martins Sesks damaged his Ford after going off the road on his third shakedown run and later received a 20-second time penalty, leaving him sixth overall. Takamoto Katsuta retired after a puncture on stage six, while Thierry Neuville and Sesks damaged their cars but continued.
A €50,000 prize fund has been established by the WRC Promoter for the three fastest young Estonian drivers in the Rally Estonia WRC2 classification. Saturday's action begins at 9:56 a.m. with the Peipsiääre stage.
