Hayden Paddon has been the standout performer at Rally Paraguay. The New Zealander finished Saturday in second place, just 24.1 seconds behind rally leader Sami Pajari of Toyota. This is Paddon's first gravel WRC event of the season, making his performance all the more impressive.
A favourable road position on Friday and troubles for several Rally1 drivers certainly helped. But those factors alone don't explain Paddon's strong showing. He has maintained his pace as the rally progressed while avoiding any major mistakes, a testament to his experience and composure on the demanding Paraguayan gravel.
“It was a clean and trouble-free day. That was exactly what I wanted. We were slightly short of the pace at the very front, but I haven’t spent much time in this car either,” Paddon said.
Paddon has avoided taking unnecessary risks in the tricky conditions. So far, the strategy has paid off. “I’m pleased that we brought the car back practically unscathed. The final spectator stage was probably the most difficult of the day for everyone, but overall it was a good, consistent day,” he summed up.
His performance is even more notable given his part-time programme this season. He has shared Hyundai's third car with Esapekka Lappi and Dani Sordo. Rally Paraguay marks Paddon's first gravel WRC event of the year, yet he has been able to challenge at the front from the outset.
At the same time, Paddon has given Hyundai a valuable demonstration of what he can still do in a Rally1 car. When asked if he felt he had shown Hyundai he still belongs at the highest level, he replied, “I think we all knew that. That’s why we were given this opportunity in the first place. I’m just grateful that we have been able to repay the faith shown in us.”
The job isn't finished yet, though. Paddon pointed out that Sunday's conditions could quickly change the rally's complexion. “We’ll see what tomorrow brings. The situation could be completely different again. But at this stage, we have completed the task successfully,” he concluded.
Baca Juga
Hayden Paddon tampil gemilang di Reli Paraguay, memberi sinyal kuat ke Hyundai. Ia duduk di posisi kedua, siap menantang Sami Pajari di hari terakhir.
Sami Pajari memimpin Rally Paraguay 2026 dengan keunggulan 24 detik atas Paddon dan Evans jelang Super Sunday. Akankah ia meraih kemenangan beruntun?
Sami Pajari memimpin Rally Paraguay dengan selisih 24,1 detik atas Hayden Paddon, siap raih hattrick. Evans dan Fourmaux bersaing ketat di posisi ketiga.
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