Repco Rally New Zealand is now underway with drivers getting their first taste of competition this morning at the 3.54km Shakedown session held on Inland Road. There was a strong showing from the Kiwis with four finishing in the top five.
It was Kiwi driver Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard who set the pace for the rest of the WRC2 class with a time of 1:35.3, just 7.6 seconds off the overall fastest time in WRC1.
Fellow class competitor Shane van Gisbergen wasn’t too far behind in third with a time of 1:37.2, sitting behind Australian Rally champion Harry Bates who crossed the line in 1:37.1.
Two more Kiwis rounded out the top five in the WRC2 class with Ben Hunt in fourth and Raana Horan in fifth.
Topping the timing charts overall was current FIA WRC points leader Kalle Rovanperä in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 that he shares with co-driver Jonne Halttunen.
The Finn set the fastest time of 1:27.7 while the two closest drivers to him were Hyundai Motorsport’s Oliver Solberg and Thierry Neuville, both with a time of 1:27.8.
Ott Tänak and Sébastien Ogier completed the top five standings in the WRC1 class Shakedown session.
If these results are anything to go by, the New Zealanders among the field aren’t holding back for a shot at the top spots. This rings particularly true for Paddon as its his goal to win the WRC2 class this weekend.
Bring on the free to attend Super Special Stage 1 this evening at Pukekawa Auckland Domain!
Check out our guide to Repco Rally New Zealand here for more competitor, stage and spectator information here.
Main image: Hayden Paddon Facebook
