2024 FORUM8 Rally Japan – Breaking information
Sami Pajari and Enni Mälkönen sealed the 2024 WRC2 and WRC2 Challenger titles in type, delivering a superbly executed drive to complete second at FORUM8 Rally Japan.
Arriving on the season finale in Aichi with the information {that a} top-two end would safe each crowns, the Finnish duo rose to the event – sustaining a composed and constant method to lock within the runner-up spot from begin to end.
The outcome additionally marked a triumphant debut season for Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2, with Pajari showcasing the automobile’s potential all through the marketing campaign.
“It is a very nice feeling,” Pajari beamed. “An enormous aid, after two days of driving a bit slowly and taking good care of the whole lot, not doing something foolish and reaching the end line.
“[Thank you] to Toyota, to PrintSport, our household, our followers. We did it collectively, it’s not solely me and Enni, however the entire staff. We did it collectively. Thanks everybody. I hope to drive some rallies subsequent 12 months, Toyota has been dependable this 12 months so I need to proceed on the identical path.”
Victory in Japan went to Nikolay Gryazin, who dominated the occasion from the outset in his Citroën C3 Rally2. Gryazin delivered a commanding drive, main from the opening stage to complete 1min 46.5sec away from Pajari, claiming his third win of the season. Native hero Hiroki Arai overcame a rear differential concern on the ultimate day to safe third place, trailing Gryazin by 3min 20sec.
Gus Greensmith climbed to fourth in his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 after capitalising on drama forward. Heikki Kovalainen’s Toyota met a spectacular finish on the identical nook that claimed WRC chief Ott Tänak, with Kovalainen’s automobile touchdown on high of Tänak’s Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Fortuitously, each drivers walked away unscathed.
Fabia driver Kajetan Kajetanowicz secured fifth, whereas dwelling favorite Hikaru Kogure overcame a rollercoaster week to spherical out the highest six in a Toyota.
