Hayden Paddon teams up with Sebastian Marshall early due to John Kennard hip injury

  • 09/05/2017
Sebastian Marshall will take up the co-driver's seat next to Paddon (Getty file)
Sebastian Marshall will take up the co-driver's seat next to Paddon (Getty file)

Kiwi driver Hayden Paddon will link-up with his new co-driver earlier than expected.

John Kennard's sore hip took a battering in Argentina last week, so Britain's Sebastian Marshall will slip into the hot seat for Rally Portugal next week.

Kennard is set to return for the following round in Sardinia and continue until July - before Marshall takes over for the rest of the season.

Ahead of the mid-season switch, Marshall has already been working with Paddon and Kennard.

That includes carrying out the bulk of testing work, and the Briton is currently testing with Paddon in Sardinia.

"This is a tough one for John," Marshall told Autosport.

"I've been there with an injury and it's difficult to step out of the car, but he's such a competitive fella, he'll be back for Sardinia.

"From my point of view, it means my first WRC event with Hayden comes earlier than expected and that's really exciting for me.

"I've done Portugal a few times and it's an event I enjoy and it's a rewarding one for the co-driver."

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