A war of words has broken out between World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier and Hayden Paddon at this week’s Rally Argentina over the WRC’s running order.The pair argued publicly following
end of day press conference, after Paddon questioned Ogier about his continued frustration at the running order regulations.
As championship leader Ogier runs first on the road on days one and two on a WRC round.
On gravel rallies like this week’s South American encounter, that forces Ogier to sweep a quicker line clean for his rivals behind – something the Frenchman has long argued against, feeling it penalises success.
In a heated exchange on Saturday, the pair stood toe to toe before separating and going back to their own service areas.
Ogier reportedly apologised to Paddon this morning, before adding that he still thought the Hyundai driver was wrong in his favouring of the current regime.
Asked about the incident, Paddon told Autosport: “It certainly shows he’s fired up for today.”
Volkswagen team principal Jost Capito defended Ogier’s actions, saying: “I didn’t hear it, but if he gets asked about just one issue all day, asked why can’t you go faster and you get beaten like this, I would explode as much as he did.
“It doesn’t mean that it’s right, but I fully understand it.
“I think it’s an issue between two guys and they should handle it.”