Hayden Paddon in hunter position in Australia

Le Rally from New Zealand not being on the program this year in WRC, the Australian event constitutes an almost home round for Hayden Paddon. The pilot Hyundai Motorsport, sixth and fifth in its last two visits to the Antipodes, was counting on this 2016 final to return to the top 3, which it approached in Spain and Great Britain, finishing fourth twice.

With a daring choice of tires during the first stage (mixing hard and soft tires), the native of Geraldine hoped to take advantage of his favorable position on the road to get to the forefront, but a loss of time of almost 13″ in SS4 had separated him from leader Andreas Mikkelsen.

“We experienced several hot moments, admitted the driver of the Hyundai i20 WRC. The balance of the car was not ideal. We almost spun several times, which caused us to lose a little time. »

Fighting for the rankings with his teammate Thierry Neuville, Paddon took the scratch in the first pass of the 50 km of Nambucca at the opening of the second stage, allowing him to move up to second position in the rally.

If in the second loop, the New Zealander gave up his place to Sébastien Ogier, however, he remains in contention for victory, 12″ behind Mikkelsen. A hunter's position which does not seem to displease the winner of the Rally Argentina.

“We knew that Sébastien Ogier would attack in the afternoon, which turned out to be the case, specifies Paddon. We therefore concentrated on maintaining the pressure. We lacked a bit of speed in the afternoon loop, but overall it was a good improvement from last year.

We are involved in a very close fight at the front. It's a good position and we'll definitely push hard tomorrow to see what we can do. »