Motorsport: Paddon moves into contention

Hayden Paddon is third at WRC Poland heading into the final day. Photo / McKlein Photography

Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon has stormed into contention in WRC Poland with a strong day two.

The Hyundai works driver won three stages and moved up to third place - 25.5s behind his teammate Thierry Neuville - as the horrible weather from the opening day cleared.

"It's been a really good day," said Paddon.

"The conditions have been a lot easier today, so obviously better to have the confidence and nicer to drive. We really enjoyed it and have been able to be competitive today, which is nice.

"We were able to get up to P4 and then we were in a position with a big gap in front and behind, so it was really a matter of maintaining the position. But then to be able to get onto the podium towards the end of the day was an added positive.

"Certainly a lot of positives to take out of it and three stages wins is a bit of a confidence booster as well."

Really happy with our day - 3 stage wins and P3 overall. Still making gains and trying to look after our position. #paddonspack @rajdpolski pic.twitter.com/wB6Y9FD0Oy

— Hayden Paddon (@HaydenPaddon) July 1, 2017

Paddon isn't likely to challenge for the rally win unless the leading two drivers run into problems but a podium finish will be a huge boost to the Kiwi, who has had a tough season to date.

"Okay going into tomorrow, 20 seconds behind the lead is probably a bit too far. Both Thierry and Ott will be pushing very hard, so we're in a position where we have a good gap behind and really want to bring home this result for the team and for us - it would mean quite a lot.

"Four stages tomorrow, we're expecting some more rain. For sure it won't be easy, so still a bit of work to do yet."

Neuville will look to hold on to a 3.1s lead to pick up a third WRC win of the season and pull himself right on the heels of series leader Sebastien Ogier, who lies in fourth but over a minute behind Paddon.

The four-time world champion started the day ahead of the Kiwi but under pressure made a mistake and dropped half a minute after sliding off the road. He later suffered from a puncture to fall further behind.

M-Sport Ford driver Ott Tanak is second.

Toyota's Jari-Matti Latvala, who had been running third, suffered a mechanical failure.

There are just four special stages left overnight Sunday with 59.66km of competitive action remaining, including the power stage.

Wet weather is likely to greet the drivers again however.

Standings
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai)
Ott Tanak (Ford) +3.1s
Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) +25.5s
Sebastien Ogier (Ford) +1:32.0s
Dani Sordo (Hyundai) + 1:43.8s