Rally Australia 2016

[BigWorm]

Ogier being Ogier on the first split

[KKS]

Paddon was out of winning battle, +6.6 to JML at split3, and Ogier was 10.5 quicker then JML at split2

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon's losing plenty on the last split.

[kirungi okwogera]

Yeah fight is over for Paddon - puncture?

[Lundefaret]

Regarding Hayden:
Everyone is entitled to his or hers own opinion, but I think one should base ones expectations, hopes, etc on actual parameters, looking at previous results on the same rally, experience etc etc, rather than just a subjective feeling.

- Hayden is in only his second full WRC season, and is by far the least experienced WRC driver in the Top 5 in the Championship, and in the Top 3 in this rally.
- Rally Australia is nothing like rallying in New Zealand (and Im not only talking about the snakes ), but road character and gravel is totally different.
- Last year Hayden was almost a minute behind the winner, so there has definitely been a major improvement in this event. (And I think this rally has been faster.)
- And he has pulled off another great showing with his performance on the first running on Nambucca.
- On a more overall perspective Hayden has stabilised his performance among "the best of the rest" (Ogier still is in his own league.)
- And I think every one and his grand mother would agree that he has no advantage compared to the Volkswagen (and the Citroën for that matter) when it comes to the car.
- And he is still improving - where several of the other top drivers have flattened out.

Off course Hayden still have areas that he needs to improve to become World Champion. Tarmac is the obvious one, but there are other things also. But he knows it, and works extremely hard to improve these things.

To explain a bit about Hayden I think the best example isn't necessarily his victory in Argentina, but what he did after his two dramatic misfortunes in Portugal and Sardinia.
If you compare to Neuville that started to struggle in the end of 2013, and didnt really come back on form until a bit into this year, Hayden worked extremely hard before Poland and came back not only finishing his event, but on the podium.

So as I said, every one is entitled to his or hers opinion, but for me at least I am very impressed by the improvements Hayden has done this season, and on this event. If he works on his weakest points on this event, he will have an even better chance fighting for the victory next year.

[KKS]

And Nueville up to 3rd. Paddon +31.6 at split4

[dimviii]

Paddon on problem?

[BigWorm]

I hope he hasn't slowed down for Thierry... that's just wrong.

[bluuford]

Paddons dust will be problem for Ogier?

[Lundefaret]

Yeah fight is over for Paddon - puncture?

Lets hope so, these things can happen when you give it your everything.
But better a puncture than a more dramatic failure.
Mikkelsen looses to much to Ogier, wow, this is a fight!