In a dramatic turn of events shaking the rallying world, Sami Pajarithe new WRC2 champion and rising star of the World Rally Championship, has been criticized following his decision to part ways with his co-driver Eat in Mälkönen. The announcement, made on the same day the duo celebrated their WRC2 triumph at Rally Japansparked an outpouring of support for Mälkönen and sharp criticism of Pajari's timing.
A split that surprised fans—and Mälkönen
Mälkönen, in a social media post, expressed surprise at the decision, calling it something that “took her by surprise.” » Fans rallied in his favor, flooding comment sections with messages of support and questioning Pajari's reasons and timing.
Facing a wave of backlash online, Pajari issued a statement addressing the controversy:
“My announcement that I will not continue my collaboration with Enni has sparked a lot of discussion and speculation in recent days.”
“I could have handled it better,” admits Pajari
In his frank response, Pajari acknowledged errors in how and when the announcement was communicated:
“To be honest, the communication and timing of this case could have been handled better. I should have been clearer in explaining the reasons behind my decision and also that this decision had already been discussed between us earlier, so it did not come as a surprise at the end of the last rally. »
Pajari revealed the duo had previously discussed splitting but chose to delay the announcement to focus on their final rally together. Despite their success, Pajari suggested there were underlying challenges:
“Although our collaboration has been very successful, there have also been difficult moments as in any relationship. As young competitors in this sport, we are both still finding our way.”
Defend Your Decision
As he considers a full-time seat Toyota Rally1 at 2025Pajari stressed the importance of having the “best possible partnership” in the car:
“These types of decisions are never easy. I'm really sorry that we couldn't find a solution to continue. I would like to emphasize that I am very proud of our joint achievements and grateful.”
Pajari also appealed for understanding, asking fans to respect both sides as they move forward:
“I hope you can understand that we both want to look to the future now and refrain from any further comment.”
Uncertain Future for Both Drivers
With Mälkönen's next steps uncertain and with Pajari yet to announce a new co-driver, speculation continues to swirl. Pajari's transition to the elite Rally1 class will bring increased scrutiny, and the pressure to deliver with a new partner will be immense.
A Partnership That Defined an Era in WRC2
Pajari and Mälkönen's time together was marked by exceptional highs, culminating in their WRC2 championship victory. Their separation highlights the often invisible challenges of pilot-co-pilot relationships, where success on stage doesn't always translate to harmony off it.
What's next for Pajari and Mälkönen?
As the dust settles, rally fans will eagerly follow how Pajari performs in the big leagues—and who he chooses to sail alongside him. Meanwhile, Mälkönen's next chapter is just as anticipated, with many hoping she finds a steering wheel that showcases her undeniable talent.
The spotlight on Pajari shines now brighter than ever. Will he silence his critics with results in Rally1, or will this controversy follow him to the biggest stages in the world? One thing is certain: the rallying world will be attentive.
