Hayden Paddon proved that his part-time status in the World Rally Championship is no barrier to competing with the best. After a chaotic Friday at Rally Paraguay, the New Zealander finds himself in second place, just 11.9 seconds behind surprise leader Sami Pajari.
Paddon was the standout performer, winning the day's third stage by 17.2 seconds over Toyota's Elfyn Evans. He briefly led the rally from SS3 Yerbateras through the midday service and until SS5 Cambyreta, marking his first time leading a WRC event since Rally Portugal in 2018. However, a puncture on SS6 Nueva Alborada cost him the lead, handing Evans a slender half-second advantage.
"I think everyone's had problems, so if we can drive out of two stages on punctures and still be within touching distance, we've been unlucky but lucky at the same time," Paddon said. "Tough day, and the scary thing is I think this is going to be the easiest day of the rally."
Pajari, who took over the lead after Evans suffered a rear tyre delamination on SS7, led the final two stages. "It was very clean for me. I think it is a lottery if you take the puncture or not. I need to be happy with how we did," said Pajari. "It is still early in this rally and a lot of things have happened already."
Friday's running was dominated by attrition. Adrien Fourmaux won four stages but lost time changing a wheel on SS3, while Oliver Solberg, who led after two stages, suffered engine issues. Three big names retired: Sebastien Ogier (suspension), Takamoto Katsuta (rolled), and Thierry Neuville (brake and suspension damage).
Neuville lamented his early exit. "This was the worst possible start for a rally where everything was set up for a good weekend," he said. "For the first few kilometres we had a good feeling, but then we came fast over a blind crest, on the landing we went over a stone and immediately got a puncture and lost the brake line."
With rain expected on Saturday, the running order could be shaken up again. Paddon, a former WRC 2 champion, is ready to seize the opportunity and spring another surprise.
Baca Juga
Hayden Paddon tampil mengejutkan di Rally Paraguay, duduk di posisi kedua di depan para bintang WRC. Sami Pajari memimpin, sementara hujan diprediksi mengubah peta persaingan.
Rally Paraguay 2026 hari pertama diwarnai drama ban pecah. Sami Pajari tampil konsisten dan memimpin klasemen, unggul dari Hayden Paddon dan Elfyn Evans.
Sami Pajari memimpin Rally Paraguay setelah Evans kena bocor ban. Pebalap Toyota itu mengincar kemenangan ketiga beruntun dengan keunggulan 11,9 detik atas Paddon.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
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