Kiwi rally driver is keen to put the past behind him

The past is just that for Hayden Paddon on the eve of the World Rally Championship event in Sweden.

New Zealand driver Paddon returns to competitive action when round two of the 2017 WRC season fires into life today.

Paddon withdrew from the opening round in Monte Carlo last month after sliding on black ice and crashing into a bank towards the end of the first stage, an incident which is the subject of an ongoing investigation after a spectator died.

The Kiwi driver, who is part of the Hyundai Motorsport team, and co-driver John Kennard will wear black arm bands for the Swedish event and Paddon said they would be ‘‘competing in the memory of the spectator’’.

In every other sense, the 29-year-old from Geraldine was very much eyes forward.

‘‘The past is in the past,’’ Paddon said. ‘‘It’s important we try and move forward now and the best way to do that is to get back in the car.

‘‘In testing everything clicked again, it felt natural and like we were at home in the car. We have to keep that momentum going and get a good result on the board.’’

If his result in Sweden last year is anything to go by, there is every chance he could do that.

The Kiwi duo finished second there in 2016, on their way to fourth overall, and the snow-based event is one Paddon enjoys not only because it is one of the three fastest on the calendar.

‘‘Driving on snow is quite similar to the feeling we have on gravel, with very narrow tyres and the set-up of the car,’’ he said.

‘‘There is a lot of grip and the car is moving much the same way it is on gravel.

‘‘For this reason I feel very much at home on snow.

‘‘Even at testing last week everything felt comfortable and natural and we were able to get into a good rhythm straight away.’’

How easy that is once the rally is underway remains to be seen.

Paddon will start 10th on the road after not collecting any championship points in Monte Carlo, something he said could either be an advantage or disadvantage depending on conditions.