Hayden Paddon has taken an early lead in Rali Ceredigion after two quick-fire runs through the Aberystwyth super special stage this morning.
Driving BRC Racing’s Hyundai i20 N Rally2 with co-driver John Kennard at his side, the reigning European Rally champion was fastest by 0.2 seconds on the first pass of the 1.34-kilometre test, before going quickest again on the second time, this time by 0.9 seconds.
He enters the first full day of the Welsh rally with a 1.3-second advantage over Andrea Mabellini.
“It was great to see so many people out, and on a glorious Welsh day, it’s the perfect start,” said Paddon.
The reigning champion’s closest title rival, Mathieu Franceschi, lost 3.8 seconds on the Kiwi and sits sixth overall.
“I have to learn something because, on city stages, I lose too much time every time,” Franceschi said. “I have to work for tomorrow and put this behind us.”
Paddon had also earlier gone fastest on the 4.15km Qualifying Stage, putting nearly two seconds on the field.
He enters the asphalt event with a 14-point advantage over Francechi in the European Rally Championship and can secure the title this weekend if he scores well and has other results go his way.
Saturday’s action at Rali Ceredigion begins with a 19.75km run on Brechfa, the first of eight stages on the day, from 7.05 pm NZST.
The first of four stages on Sunday action begins from 7.33 pm NZST.
Live coverage can be watched with a paid subscription to rally.tv. Alternatively, comprehensive free live updates can be found on the European Rally Championship website.
