The WRC gallery: Rallye Monte-Carlo
Our selection of the best pictures from the opening round
Paddon eager for speedy Sweden
Hayden Paddon is keen to move on from disappointment at Rallye Monte-Carlo when the championship shifts to some of his favourite high-speed stages at the upcoming Rally Sweden (11-14 February).
Paddon's debut on the Monte started well, but the Kiwi became one of the victims of an ice-covered stage three when a light impact with a tree broke his car's suspension.
For round two Paddon will have one of Hyundai's all-new i20 World Rally Cars at his disposal, and the benefit of an event that he has tackled twice before in 2012 and 2015.
"Going to the Monte we didn't really have any expectations, but the amount of the snow and ice this year made it even more difficult than I thought it would be," Paddon told WRC live presenter Becs Williams.
"Okay, it's hard to accept when you crash like I did at such a slow speed, but it's all part of the learning curve and I'm sure we'll be in a better position next year.
"I feel much more confident going back to Sweden, it's a rally I've done before and one I enjoy too. When it comes to stages I like the fast stuff, and Sweden's right up there with Finland in terms of average speed.
"We did some good testing in December with the new car, and we have another day in Sweden the week before the event. I have high hopes and want to deliver a good result," he added.
Hear more from Paddon, including details of his new Paddon Rally Foundation, in an exclusive interview for the latest WRC Regroup podcast. This link will take you straight there.
Also in this week's podcast, former WRC star Mikko Hirvonen gives his unique insight into his debut at Dakar and the latest on the news of his links to the Toyota WRC project.
*Apple update*
WRC Regroup Podcasts are now available on Apple iTunes. Click here to browse the library and for details of how to subscribe.
