New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand driver Hayden Paddon has successfully defended his European Rally Championship title.
Paddon finished third in the inaugural Rally Silesia in Poland, the final round of the championship.
The former World Rally Championship competitor and his co-driver John Kennard led the asphalt event heading into the final day, but with a comfortable 27-point lead over his nearest rival he could afford to relax.
He did leave the road in the penultimate stage, but covered to finish third.
"I wasn't going to risk the title by being drawn into a fight today," Paddon said afterwards.
"I just wanted to bring the car home. I knew what I was here to do and the title is hugely important.
"We've worked all year to achieve it. We've had our backs up against the wall for the best part of the season with a performance deficit but the team has been working hard to bring that back and we've brought it back during the last couple of rallies."
