Hayden Paddon and Seb Marshall enjoyed a generally positive weekend at Rally Sweden.
A minor mistake had major consequences for Kiwi rally driving star Hayden Paddon as he faded to fifth in his first event of the 2018 FIA world championship season.
Paddon and co-driver Seb Marshall were fourth heading into the final stage of Rally Sweden before a “small” error from Paddon, combined with the pace of fifth-placed Esapekka Lappi, meant Lappi overtook him for fourth in the final standings.
The New Zealand, though, reflected with satisfaction on a mostly positive rally. He was in podium contention for most of the event, won two special stages and now has a fair idea what he wants to work on before his next event with the Hyundai team in Portugal in May.
“An annoying end to what had been a generally positive weekend for us,” reflected Paddon at rally end. “It was just a small mistake in the Power Stage, which stalled the car and lost us too much time to defend our fourth place.
“We’re not in the championship hunt this season so whether it’s fourth or fifth doesn’t really matter greatly. We have plenty of positives to take away from the event and I am looking forward to continuing this trend in my next WRC event in Portugal. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel.”
Hyundai claimed its first victory on the snowy stages of Rally Sweden as Thierry Neuville led a team 1-3-5 result in the second round of the 2018 world championship.
The Belgian, along with co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul, had been in imperious form all weekend, taking five of the team’s eight stage wins and adopting an intelligent approach to the event. Edging into the lead after Friday’s Svullrya stage (SS3), they never relinquished their advantage over their rivals.
Citroën’s Craig Breen finished runnerup, ahead of the Hyundai Shell Mobis crew of Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jæger.
Third place for Mikkelsen ensured a double podium for the team in Sweden, as well as the Norwegian’s first top-three finish as a Hyundai driver in his fifth WRC event with the team.
Source :Stuff.co.nz
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