Paddon improved from sixth to fifth on the final day of Rally Finland but was still left pondering the feel of his auto after a problem plagued event.
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Kris Meeke became the first British driver to win the Finland rally, spoiling local hero Jari-Matti Latvala’s plans, to score a hat-trick of wins at his home in the World Rally Championship here today.
Meeke earned his second World Rally series win in Portugal in May.
Irish driver Craig Breen finished the day in 3rd Spot, One minute and 45 seconds behind Meeke. It was a close fight with Thierry and I’ve really enjoyed these fantastic stages It’s good points and we’re closing in on the guys at the front of the championship. In the end, Breen did enough on the final stage to hold on to third by 4.6s, securing his first WRC podium in just his fourth event.
“It’s the best day of my life”, an emotional Meeke said with tears riolling down his face.
“It’s been such a road to get here”.
In fact, their combined time for the final 34.20 kilometres of competition were fastest of all competitors, but they couldn’t quite catch Neuville, finishing just 2.3 seconds behind the Belgium who took fourth place after both Hyundai drivers benefited from Ott Tanak crashing out of the rally. “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved”.
France’s Sebastien Ogier continues to lead the championship with 143 points.
Neuville’s team-mate Hayden Paddon is back in eighth, with Kevin Abbring 12th behind WRC2 leader Esapekka Lappi as he stands in for the injured Dani Sordo.
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Volkswagen were still leading the manufacturers’ standings with 196 points, followed by Hyundai (135), M-Sport World rally team (100), Volkswagen II (99) and Hyunday Motorsport N (78).
