Rally News: Paddon psyched for Sweden
New Zealander Hayden Paddon was downgraded to share a car with Dani Sordo when Andreas Mikkelsen entered the Hyundai team. While Sordo got to drive the Monte, and sadly ended up in a ditch, Rally Sweden will be Paddon's first round. So how does he feel about sharing car with Sordo?
"It’s a decision that we have to accept and make the most of each opportunity we get. The situation also adds a little fuel to the fire to really come out this year and show what we can do, which we are determined to do. We are going to throw the kitchen sink at it this year and give it everything we have.
Photo Source
Obviously like any professional sport, time practising and competing can simply not be compromised to stay at a good level – and doing seven WRC events will mean we will get left behind. So to stay fresh, competition-sharp and to develop ourselves more, we have been able to add five New Zealand Championship rallies with our own team and AP4 car, plus a few other one-off events around the world. In all, we will still have a decent programme with regular events."
Now Rally Sweden awaits the kiwi, who has a lot to prove since last years pretty dissapointing season.
"This is the most excited I've felt about a rally for a long time, so this is a good sign. I’m feeling the best I ever have physically and mentally going into the new season and believe we can translate that feeling into good results."
i don't like changing drivers ... this way non of them can fight for the championship , i don't say they would but it is in every drivers mind . At least this way they can take any risk they want .
Hyundai have Mikkelsen and Neuville to fight for the driver's title. Paddon and Sordo are not good enough for a driver's title, so Hyundai instead use them at the WRC rounds where they perform best. Just tactics from Hyundai's side in order to try and get the manufacturer's title.