‘Tough decision’ but Paddon confirms split with long-time co-driver

Kiwi rally star Hayden Paddon says his ‘‘incredibly tough decision’’ to split with long-time co-driver John Kennard has been made with the ultimate goal in mind.

A partnership of 12 years will come to an end after round nine of 13 in the World Rally Championship season in Finland in June.

A replacement for Kennard, who had been reading the pace notes for Paddon side since his debut in the New Zealand Rally Championship in 2006, was set to be confirmed later this week.

While it was not easy deciding to bring his time with Kennard to an end, Paddon said it was a moment both knew was inevitable and a call that made sense.

‘‘It has been an incredibly tough decision for both John and I to take.

‘‘It’s something we knew would be on the radar at some point. It’s been an incredible 12 years ... OK, it was always the vision to go this far but to take the path we have and achieve everything we have has been quite an incredible experience.’’

Since at least Rally Argentina in April last year, where he became the first Kiwi to win an event in the 44-year history of the WRC, Paddon has maintained 2018 is the year he wants to push for the World Championship crown.

That stunning result in Argentina also made then 57-yearold Kennard the oldest co-driver to win a WRC event.

Kennard admitted ending the partnership in Finland, which had not only become a second home given his wife was from there but was also the scene of his first codriving experience, would be far from easy.

But the Marlborough-based vineyard owner was also grateful for what had been an ‘‘incredible experience’’ and said he knew now was the time to make the change happen.

Although the pair would no longer be in the car together after Rally Finland, both indicated they would continue working together.