Paddon on the podium again

Kiwi finishes third in WRC2 and eighth overall in Germany.

Hayden Paddon and John Kennard have taken back-to-back podium places in the World Rally Championship’s supporting contest, WRC2, finishing third in Rally Germany after their second in Finland.

On both occasions, the flying Kiwis were the fastest in their Super 2000 class by a country mile – the WRC2 category sees normally aspirated vehicles, like Paddon’s S2000 Skoda Fabia, racing against turbocharged cars such as the 1.6L turbocharged Citroen DS3 RRC of round winner Robert Kubica (Poland).

“It’s been amazing to see a number of Kiwis here in Germany, cheering us on

“Naturally, we’d like to be the highest up there on the podium,” said Paddon, “but trying to compete with the turbo cars on those tight and narrow roads was a challenge.”

Relishing the challenge, he and Kennard were pleased with the car’s performance along the tight asphalt roads in western Germany. Not only did they finish more than ten minutes ahead of fourth-placed WRC2 competitor and local favourite Sepp Wiegand, they also outgunned some of the world’s best from the main WRC event to place eighth overall.

Paddon praised the fantastic support from fellow New Zealanders at home and abroad.

“It’s been amazing to see a number of Kiwis here in Germany, cheering us on,” he said. “We really appreciate their support and also all our partners, such as PlaceMakers, who are behind our campaign.”