WRC – Hayden Paddon comes back strong on Ogier in Sweden

Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) took advantage of the fresh snow in Vargasen, 12th special of the Rally from Sweden, to return to the leader Sébastien Ogier (Volkswagen) who wasted time making tracks for their rivals. The New Zealander came back to within nine seconds of the triple world champion at midday even though the Frenchman scored a new fastest time in SS10.

Mads Ostberg (Ford) regained his place on the provisional podium after the attack of Andreas Mikkelsen (Volkswagen) who also suffered from his position on the road in SS12. The Volkswagen driver is now ten seconds behind his compatriot.

Ott Tänak (Ford) completes the top five with a good lead over Dani Sordo (Hyundai) who suffered a puncture in SS10 after hitting a stone. The Spaniard is threatened by Henning Solberg (Ford) who is back to three seconds and who maintains a lead of seven seconds over Craig Breen (Citroen).

Éric Camilli (Ford) dismounted after rolling in SS10 while in ninth place. WRC5 leader Elfyn Evans (Fiesta R2) inherited the place. The Welshman precedes Pontud Tidemand (Skoda Fabia R5) by 32 seconds. Anders Grondal (Fiesta R5) completes the provisional podium in the category.

The drivers will once again only have a regroup without assistance before starting the second pass of the special stages of the second stage of the Swedish Rally. The event will resume from 12:24 p.m.