New Zealand's Hayden Paddon has finished the World Rally Championship's Rally Sweden in seventh place, having secured top-five stage times in all three of this morning's special stages.
John Kennard and Hayden Paddon at Rally Sweden. Photo: McKlein Photography
A power steering failure yesterday meant seventh place was the best Paddon could salvage.
With the third-quickest time on the penultimate stage, as well as one bonus point for fifth place on the rally-concluding power stage, Paddon and co-driver John Kennard took a considerable boost in their confidence from the pace they showed in this morning's final three stages.
Paddon said it had been a trying weekend.
"We always knew it was going to be tough coming here after Monte, and certainly underestimated that challenge."
"So, to get to the finish, I must admit, realises the pressure a little bit. I certainly feel a lot more relaxed and more back to normal, if you like, going forward towards to Mexico. To get a few points amongst all our difficulties this weekend at least gets us on the board."
He said they know they they can improve.
"We've got a good two-day test ahead now to prepare for Mexico and get back onto the gravel."
"A long way to go in the season, 11 rallies. We know where we're missing the speed, so that's what we'll focus on now and make sure we have a good two-day test and develop the car to work for myself a bit better."
The Hyundai driver is in ninth place in the overall WRC standings following the first two rounds, with the next event in Mexico next month.
