Rallying-Pajari wins every stage on first day in Estonia

Rally Estonia kicked off with a dominant performance from Toyota’s Sami Pajari, who secured victory in all seven stages of the opening day on July 17, 2026. The Finnish driver, competing alongside co-driver Marko Salminen, finished 14.7 seconds ahead of his fellow countryman Oliver Solberg, who came in second. Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai rounded out the top three, while Belgian legend Sebastien Ogier, making his return to competitive rallying after nearly five years, placed fifth. Norwegian driver Thierry Neuville of Hyundai followed in fourth. Pajari described the conditions as “proper action” and praised the challenging terrain, which featured mostly gravel surfaces. He expressed confidence in his car’s handling and his ability to maintain pace throughout the day. “I didn’t have any moments, and it seems under control,” he said. “I’m pushing all I can. I’m just trying to enjoy it. This was proper action, a super-nice day.” The rally took place in Estonia, marking the second round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The event saw several notable performances and setbacks. Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta, who leads the championship standings, withdrew from the competition before the final stage due to a front-left tyre delamination. His retirement leaves him 11 points behind current leader Elfyn Evans of Wales, who was struggling early in the day. Evans, the reigning WRC2 titleholder, faced challenges as he opened the roads for much of the day. He ended up in ninth position, trailing Pajari by 49.8 seconds. Despite this, Evans maintains a comfortable lead in the overall standings, having completed eight of the 14 rounds so far. His performance highlights the difficulty of navigating the Estonian terrain, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the course layout. Ogier’s participation marked a significant moment for the rally, as the multiple-time world champion returned to competitive racing after a long hiatus. His fifth-place finish demonstrated his continued competitiveness despite the age-related challenges many expect from veteran drivers. His presence added an extra layer of excitement to the event, drawing attention from fans and competitors alike. The Estonian rally has become a key fixture in the WRC calendar, known for its demanding gravel sections and unpredictable weather conditions. The first day’s results underscored the importance of both technical skill and physical endurance. Drivers must balance speed with caution, especially on surfaces that offer little grip and require constant adjustments to driving style. Looking ahead, the rally will continue through Saturday, with the second day featuring additional stages that could shift the championship dynamics. With Katsuta out and Evans still in contention, the battle for the overall title remains wide open. The next few days will determine whether Pajari can sustain his momentum or if other contenders such as Solberg or Neuville can challenge his lead. The Estonian rally promises to deliver more high-stakes competition as the season progresses.