21 Jan 2017

Paddon calls for calm over spectator death

1:42 pm on 21 January 2017

New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon has asked fans not to speculate on the circumstances that caused the death of a spectator at the Rally Monte Carlo yesterday.

Hayden Paddon during the 2016 World Rally Championship rally in Spain.

Hayden Paddon during the 2016 World Rally Championship rally in Spain. Photo: AFP

A spectator was killed after Paddon's Hyundai slid on ice near the end of 21 kilometer superstage - the first stage on the World Rally Championship calendar.

The car hit an embankment where the spectator was standing, causing the person to fall several metres onto the road below.

They were airlifted to Nice hospital but later died.

Paddon and his co-driver, John Kennard, were unharmed but pulled out of the rally as a mark of respect.

In a statement released today, Paddon said he'll work with the FIA and rally organisers to ensure another accident doesn't happen in the future.

He also asked the public not to point the finger at anyone in particular for the accident.

The 29-year-old asked fellow spectators to be mindful of where they stand when watching rallies and to follow the instructions of race marshals.

Paddon will return to the WRC at Rally Sweden next month.

-RNZ