Paddon keen on pace of Rally Finland
Geraldine’s Hayden Paddon is keen to be on the pace from the opening kilometre of Rally Finland.
The 30-year-old Kiwi star finished a season best second in Poland last start and is keen to continue his good form in one of his favourite rallies.
‘‘It would be amazing if we could stand on the podium in Finland, but I think there will be eight to 10 drivers all capable and trying to do the same thing.’’
Rally Finland is famous for its blisteringly fast gravel roads and massive jumps, set among the forests.
Paddon said he and new codriver Sebastian Marshall feel more relaxed and confident as they contest the remaining five rounds of the 2017 season.
It will the eighth time Paddon has competed in the Finish round of the World Rally Championship.
‘‘It’s the one rally I have the most experience on in the world, including rallies in New Zealand, so it always feels very nice returning to a rally I am familiar with. It’s my highlight of the year, fast, flowing stages with many jumps and an incredible atmosphere from all the fans.’’
Paddon said it was also the most competitive rally of the year, with small margins and no room for ‘slow stages’ or errors.
Last month’s testing in the Hyundai is Finland has also boosted Paddon’s resolve.
‘‘It was a really successful twoday test.
‘‘Finland is quite unique in that you can often go searching for the optimum setup, as the smooth wide roads are often quite easy for the car.
‘‘We made some good steps and hoping that translates on the stages.’’
Marshall has also been a regular on the Finish roads but only once before in a WRC car.
‘‘It’ll be my sixth time competing in Finland so it’s an event I know well and enjoy.
Marshall said it was hard not to get caught up in the ride.
‘‘It’s tempting to stop reading the notes when the car takes off on the jumps but there’s no time for that.’’ Marshall said the the skill is trying not to talk on touch down as it can wind him.
‘‘The nature of the roads means it is a true rollercoaster and one of, if not the biggest adrenaline rush of the year.’’
Sitting seventh in the WRC drivers’ standings means Paddon starts the Friday leg seventh on the road.
‘‘Like always it will depend on the weather. Of course we are hoping for dry weather to make the most of our position, but the Finnish summer can throw all sorts of weather at you.’’
Hyundai Motorsport team-mate Thierry Neuville sits second overall in the championship, just 11 points adrift of defending champion Sebastien Ogier on 160.
With three retirements in eight rallies and some other bad luck Paddon only has 51 points but is in striking distance of sixth-placed Elfyn Evans on 57.
Paddon has had mixed success in Finland, finishing fifth in 2016, while he crashed out in 2015. Sixteen WRC drivers will be on the start line, with 315.63 competitive kilometres, over 16 stages.