You’ve just completed 19 seasons with your co-driver John Kennard by your side. What are the prospects of a 20th season together?
“We can’t call it quits on 19 years, we’ve got to give it 20. John is the person who’s been in my life the second longest behind my dad so he’s been a big part of my life. What we do next year who knows. If [Rally Silesia] was our last rally in Europe it’s been an awesome journey.”
It wasn’t just John Kennard who played a big part in your ERC success, your BRC Racing Team also performed a key role, right?
“It’s huge credit to the team, they’ve always been supporting us and encouraging us. We’re all collectively working together and that’s part of what I love about working with BRC because we’re all on the same page, we’re all pushing for the same result. And when you’re all pulling in the same direction it makes a big difference.”
You really wanted this second ERC title didn’t you, given the effort you went to?
“It’s been the same the same throughout my whole career, I’m always in it to try to win it and I’m prepared to work hard. If you haven’t achieved [something] then you go home and reset and think what have you got to do, what have you got to change. In this sport you’ve got to keep moving forward and an FIA title means a lot to any driver.”
Of course you didn’t need to win Rally Silesia, but for a driver committed to winning, how much of a big deal was it when you dropped back to second on the final leg?
“I wasn’t going to risk the title by being drawn into a fight, I just wanted to bring the car home. 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. But it was pretty stressful playing the safe game.”
As well as winning back-to-back championships, how much have your enjoyed the last two seasons competing in the ERC?
“I just love this championship. I’ve probably enjoyed these two years in ERC more than what I ever did in WRC. I just love the camaraderie between all the teams, the people and there are obviously some great events. It’s just been really enjoyable.”
Part one of Hayden Paddon’s two-part ERC Take Five special is available by clicking HERE.
Japan
Poland
Turkey