SS13 – Unlucky for some, especially Hayden Paddon

It’s no secret that the stages of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal are demanding. It’s shown little mercy toward most of the drivers this year, though Hyundai Motorsport’s Hayden Paddon might think it’s just attacking him. The first stage of the afternoon brought more bad luck for him, this time in the form of a complete power steering failure. Combined with yesterday’s failing electrics, Paddon has been having a hard time.

It wasn’t all bad news for Hyundai Motorsport though. Thierry Neuville completed the stage in the fastest time in his i20 Coupe WRC. He crossed the line in 10.43.4s, which was one second faster than the time of the current champion, M-Sport’s Sebastien Ogier.

Third fastest over the stage also went to M-Sport, this time in the form of Ott Tanak. Despite his misfortune earlier in the day he managed to bring home third with a time of 10.46.9s.