Finland “best rally so far” says Paddon

Hayden Paddon and John Kennard battle to their second-consecutive eighth-place WRC finish at Rally Finland

The high-flying Kiwis continue to impress on rally’s biggest stage, while gaining vital top-level experience. They finished eighth overall, after steering issues forced them into a slower approach over the last stages.

In sixth place going into the final day, Paddon demonstrated professionalism and maturity to cross the line safely, stay in the top ten and claim another four championship points.

“We knew we were going to lose places in the battle for sixth place, but we weren’t going to throw anything away. We took no risks and just brought the car home,” said Hayden.

The Kiwis are no strangers to the famously fast Finnish roads, having raced there every year since 2010. They displayed that experience on Day 2, claiming back-to-back fourth-place finishes on Stages 5 and 6, less than 0.75km/s off the leaders.

The duo posted a top-five time on Day 3 to improve their position to sixth overall. Despite the handling issues on the final day, Hayden said he felt comfortable in the Hyundai i20.

“I feel I have learnt a huge amount this weekend. Without a doubt, it has been our best rally so far, even with today’s issues. Our confidence has grown all weekend and I was pleased to have been in the top six,” he said.

Team principal Michael Nandan praised Paddon’s performance.

“He has driven a mature rally – very professional and committed. We are happy with the progression he has made since joining us in Sardinia and look forward to him returning in Australia.”

Hometown heroes Jari-Matta Latvalla and Miikka Anttila (Volkswagen) won the event with a time of 2:57:23, just over six minutes ahead of Paddon and Kennard.

France’s Sebastien Ogier (Volkswagen) remains on top of the WRC ladder with 187 points, after finishing second in Finland. Paddon is currently 16th, with eight points.

Paddon and Kennard will look to improve again when they hit the dirt across the ditch on September 11.