15 Jun 2015

Paddon wants more after career best result

11:03 am on 15 June 2015

The New Zealand driver Hayden Paddon says he's determined to become a regular fixture on the World Rally Championship podium after claiming a career best finish at the Rally of Italy.

The New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon at the Rally of Italy.

The New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon at the Rally of Italy. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 28-year-old made history by finishing second at the WRC's latest event behind French double world champion Sebastien Ogier.

Paddon's result was the best ever by a New Zealander in a full world rally championship event.

The Hyundai driver had been in first place midway through the rally but relinquished the lead to Ogier on the penultimate day when he spun and stalled and also hit a rock badly damaging his car.

Paddon has moved up one spot to ninth overall on the standings and says the result puts him in good stead heading towards the WRC's next few events.

"It's obviously been very challenging since yesterday lunch time but after the problem it was just a matter of nursing the car through and bringing home the result so amazing result, gives us a lot of confidence now moving forward to rallies that we enjoy more and suit us better so looking forward to Poland."

The Rally of Poland is the next WRC event which starts early next month.

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