25 Oct 2014

Paddon wins WRC stage

9:35 am on 25 October 2014

Geraldine driver Hayden Paddon has taken out his maiden stage victory on the World Rally Championship.

Hayden Paddon cornering in his Hyundai in Spain

Hayden Paddon cornering in his Hyundai in Spain Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Paddon won the day's second stage on the Rally of Spain in his Hyundai by 2.1 seconds from the world champion Sebastien Ogier.

But the French Volkswagen driver remains on course to defend his title, after opening up a comfortable lead in the penultimate round of the 2014 championship.

Paddon's currently 14th overall after puncturing twice on the next stage.

Ogier has a 36.6 second lead over team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, the only man who can deprive him of the title, and 37.2 seconds on third-placed Mads Ostberg, the Norwegian Citroen DS3 driver.

The Finn Latvala must finish above Ogier, taking at least two more points, to remain in the hunt at the Wales Rally GB next month.