Hayden Paddon in action during a Shakedown prior to Rally Finland. Photo / Getty Images
Estonia Ott Tanak set the fastest time on the opening special stage of Rally Finland this morning while Kiwi Hayden Paddon took a safe approach in finishing 10th.
Tanak was .7s quicker than anyone else in his Toyota Yaris on the short, mixed-surface inner city test that saw the top
11 cars separated by just 2.8s.
Championship leader and Paddon's Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville was second fastest while reigning world champion Sebastien Ogier was third.
The opening super special stage is generally used to get the cars up and close to fans and there is little to be gained on such a short opening stage.
Paddon took a cautious approach and will wait until the rally proper starts overnight tonight as he hopes to take advantage of a good road position and the fast and flowing gravel stages.
