New Zealand's leading rally drivers Hayden Paddon and John Kennard didn't let a power steering issue stop them from finishing Rally Finland yesterday, holding on for eighth place.
In their third FIA World Rally Championship event with Hyundai Motorsport, the Kiwis had their most competitive rally to date. They hadtwo fourth-fastest stage times on Saturday and a strong sixth place overall after Sunday's 10 stages.
Power steering problems yesterday prevented them from maintaining their excellent run of form and they dropped back to a career best-equalling eighth place by the end of the 26-stage rally won by Jari-Matti Latvala of Finland.
Paddon said it wasn't the way they wanted to end the rally.
"Precisely what you don't need when tackling the fast stages in Finland - I certainly felt it in my arms at the end of SS25. We knew we were going to lose places in the battle for sixth place but we weren't going to throw anything away. We took no risks and just brought the car home.
Unlock all articles by subscribing to this international offer
All-Access + BusinessDesk Weekly
Herald Premium, Viva Premium, The Listener & BusinessDesk
"But all in all it's been a very positive weekend."
The next event for Paddon is Rally Australia from September 10-12.
Paddon and Kennard return to Europe after the Australian event with two events in October - France and Spain - before wrapping up the 2014 season at Wales Rally GB in November.
