25 Sep 2013

Paddon gets first full World Rally Car drive

6:50 pm on 25 September 2013

New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon will get behind the wheel of a full world rally car for the first time in next month's Rally of Spain.

The 26 year old steps up from the second division of the championship into a Ford Fiesta for the Qatar World Rally Team.

Belgian driver Thierry Neuville also races for the team and is currently second in this year's championship.

Paddon says a good performance in Rally Spain could earn him a drive in the top flight for the full 2014 season.

He says Rally Spain will give him a chance to display his ability on both gravel and tarmac.

His priority will be to finish the rally although he'll target particular stages and try and set top five times.

Rally Spain runs from October 21-24.