Climbing to the top step of the podium for the fifth time in Northland, it’s safe to say Hayden Paddon got the result he wanted. Rally fans in Whangārei didn’t have far to go this weekend as the second leg of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) took place from May 3-5.
A total of 72 drivers from New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Japan and China are taking part in eight different legs to contend for the international title.
Kiwi duo Hayden Paddon (Wanaka) and co-driver Samantha Gray (Timaru) took the top spot in the second stage, the ENEOS International Rally of Whangarei, with their Hyundai i20 AP4 car.
The team took advantage of an early lead and stretched their victory margin to over four minutes.
fPaddon said despite all the difficulties, the team was able to tick all the boxes.
“It has been a great rally and great result – exactly what we wanted … they are some of the nicest stages in the world and I really wanted to get my teeth into it.”
“Sam has done a great job in the car; it’s a great result for the team and maximum points again for the (APRC) Pacific Cup so it’s perfect.”
Conditions for the rally were good, but drivers were tested with loose gravel on the morning loop of Sunday’s stages.
Second place finishers Dave Holder and Jason Farmer are keen to stay hot on the heels of Paddon after a oil pressure sensor fault left their Holden Barina AP4 in limp mode and pushed them hard to set a competitive time.
“We are sure there is more in the car with what Hayden can show in his pace – plus I know there is more in us so we will keep cracking on,” Holder said.
The APRC series will head to Japan for the first round of the Asia Cup from June 6-9.
Source: Stuff.co.za