Everything has gone to plan for top New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon during the build-up to this weekend'sRally of Germany, where he is competing in the WRC2 category.
Having finished on the WRC2 podium in Finland earlier this month, Paddon and co-driver John Kennard aim to repeat, or better, this result in Germany where the WRC event runs around the southwest town of Trier.
Paddon, who is competing in a Baumschlager Rallye and Racing-prepared S2000-spec Skoda Fabia, knows he faces intense competition on the asphalt roads.
He will be especially wary of competitors such as former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica, in a Citroen DS3 RRC, and Elfyn Evans, in one of the new Ford Fiesta R5 cars.
The WRC2 category winner in Finland, Jari Ketomaa, is not contesting the German event.
Paddon said the recce this week provided a comprehensive set of pace notes.
'' There is quite a variation of roads here, from the tight, technical vineyard roads to the army [and] country roads with changing road surfaces.''
On Wednesday, he and Kennard completed shakedown, and after two runs through the stage were happy with the package they had.
''We tried some different set-ups to prepare for different conditions we may encounter in the rally. The car is feeling great and the team have been doing a great job.''
The rally started yesterday afternoon with a ceremonial start in Cologne before heading towards the event's home base in Trier via two new special stages.
With six stages today, another six tomorrow and four on Sunday, the German event is one of several WRC events this year utilising a four-day format.
