Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon delivered a consistent performance in tough conditions to finish Saturday’s (EEST) longest day of Rally Finland in fifth position.
Running ninth on the road for Saturday’s eight special stages, Paddon and co-driver Seb Marshall held fourth overall on the leader-board for much of the day despite some brake issues and high tyre wear – something all drivers contended with. On the day’s penultimate stage, fifth-placed Esapekka Lappi’s stage-winning time took the Finn past Paddon on the leader-board. Paddon and Marshall pushed hard on the day’s last 14.90km test to set the third-quickest time – their best stage result of the day – but as Paddon said: “”He’s been going pretty fast, we had a problem with a tyre on the last one but give him credit he’s flying here. It was a good day today and we’ll push on tomorrow.”
In summing up the longest individual day of a hot, dusty, rocky Rally Finland so far, Paddon said: “Our objective today has been focused on looking at the manufacturer points that we would achieve with our current position. We wanted to keep the Fords behind us, as Lappi would not be eligible for manufacturer points as things stand. There was not much we could do to keep him behind – he’s a man on a mission! We have had to take it easy and just try to do a solid job for the team. I’ve continued to feel comfortable in the car, and the changes we’ve made on the front differential have really made a difference. The hot conditions have punished the tyres in the afternoon, but I am pleased to be up there with Finns on their home turf and drivers who have won this event before.”
Four stages will take place on Sunday morning, covering a distance of 45.72km, to wrap up the 2018 edition of Rally Finland. With 11 WRC cars starting in reverse order, Paddon will be seventh on the road.
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