Hayden Paddon and local co-driver Kris D’alleine hold a slim lead after the first day of the 61st edition of the Ardeca Ypres Rally in Belgium.
“A fun first day at Rally Ypres,” said Paddon. “Four stage wins and leading by a whole 1 second. It’s going to be a great fight with Stephan (Lefebrve) tomorrow as we up the pace for what will be a big day.”
The rally started with two big significant events on the iconic special stage over the Kemmelberg. Kris Meeke, who is driving Pieter-Jan Michiel Cracco’s Porsche this weekend, suffered a puncture after just 500m and had to change a wheel. The Northern Irishman lost 6 minutes and all hope of a good result.
Grégoire Munster, who was determined to challenge teammate Hayden Paddon, made a mistake and had to retire.
At the front, Lefebvre and Paddon gave each other no quarter. With two fastest times each, the gap remained very small. The Frenchman returned to Ypres with a 1.2 second lead. “I attacked where possible, but I certainly haven’t taken all the risks yet,” said Lefebvre.
“I think we are both playing games,” laughed Hayden Paddon. “Neither of us wants to open the course as the leader tomorrow. I know from last year how difficult that is.”
For the final day on Saturday the crews are once again waiting for a heavy day with warm weather, 10 Special Stsages and 166 km of action.
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