New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon has slipped to fifth in the overall WRC driver standings after he failed to finish the latest round in Sardinia.
Hayden Paddon in action in Sardinia last year. Photo: Photosport
For the second time in as many events, Paddon was forced to retire after he crashed on the opening day.
Last month in Portugal, Paddon's car caught fire after coming off the road.
Paddon's Hyundai team-mate Thierry Neuville of Belgium won in Sardinia, becoming the fifth different winner in the last five World rally Championship rounds.
Frenchman Sebastien Ogier in a Volkswagen extended his championship lead after finishing third.
The other Hyundai driver Dani Sordo was fourth.
Ogier has 132 points, with Sordo on 68, Andreas Mikkelsen on 67, Mads Ostberg 58 and Paddon 57.
The next stop for Paddon on the WRC is in Poland next month.
Hayden Paddon's car burnt out in Portugal. Photo: Supplied
