Autosportfoto

Nandan: a weekend we will never forget

Hyundai Motorsport boss Michel Nandan has given his verdict on Hayden Paddon's victory at YPF Rally Argentina last weekend, describing it as "the performance of his career."

Nandan said Paddon's win, the first for the new generation i20 WRC, made it "a rally weekend that we will never forget!"

Maximum points for Paddon, including three bonuses for winning the Power Stage, moved him up into second in the drivers' championship and helped secure Hyundai's second place to Volkswagen in the manufacturers' race.

"Hayden has taken one of the most popular victories we've seen in WRC in recent times. His pace and commitment in the Power Stage were impressive; he and John both deserved the win," said Nandan.

"It is our second win in WRC but the first with our new car in only its fourth event. We've worked so hard on this car since Mexico so to see the fruit of our work is very special. We knew we had improved a bit so we were really hoping for a podium, and then of course winning is even better."

Nandan added that the result left him optimistic about the season ahead.

"It has shown we can be closer to the fight. I think it can be good for the rest of the championship. We know there is more to do so we will continue to push development of the car ready for the next round in Portugal," he said.

Zdroj: wrc.com