Estonia – Positive for Covid-19, Hayden Paddon withdraws

Hayden Paddon wishes he knew a better Rally from Estonia, he who was making his return to competition après 3 années d’absence. Engagé avec une Hyundai i20 N Rally2 en WRC2, le Néo-Zélandais a été testé positif au Covid-19.

Despite various symptoms on Thursday evening, Hayden Paddon started the 1^st Friday loop in Estonia after a first negative test. He was also ranked 8^e more than 50 seconds behind Emil Lindholm after the 4 specials but still not feeling well. Back at the Service Park, the Kiwi took another test which this time came back positive. From then on, abandonment was the only solution for him.

« Unfortunately we had to withdraw from Rally Estonia, writes Hayden Paddon on social networks. The word “disgust” is an understatement, but we had no choice. I started feeling bad last night (Thursday) but the Covid tests were negative. This morning I continued to feel very unwell and couldn't concentrate on the stages and the driving. At midday, another Covid test was carried out and the result was positive. We now had to follow all Covid protocols, which meant withdrawal from the rally.

Many thanks to Hyundai NZ for understanding this situation which is incredibly unwelcome, especially after avoiding Covid for the last 2 years. We will now focus on our health and recovery to return to Rally Finland. Sorry everyone."

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