Paddon forced out of Rally Whangarei

Hayden Paddon cites "driveline issues" as his reason for dropping out (Twitter / Hayden Paddon)
Hayden Paddon cites "driveline issues" as his reason for dropping out (Twitter / Hayden Paddon)

Kiwi WRC driver Hayden Paddon has withdrawn from Rally Whangarei after just four stages -- but he confirms he'll return to racing this afternoon.

The New Zealander, who took out Rally Argentina in impressive fashion last week, cites "driveline issues" as his reason for dropping out earlier today.

The problem is related to a failure in his car's back wheel transmission that left him with just front wheel drive.

Paddon says his team has fixed the issue and is now poised to make a return in the remaining stages of the rally this afternoon.

While he still has a chance of winning the rally, his absence from multiple stages today leaves him with only an outside shot.

Newshub.