An emotional and frustrated Hayden Paddon was left devastated at Rally Italia Sardegna after he clipped a bank during racing on Saturday afternoon (local time).
The Kiwi began the day with a 9.4-second lead, but disaster struck on the 15km stage 13, when the back of Paddon's Hyundai swiped the bank.
The 30-year old was somehow able to complete the stage, with flames billowing from the rear right of his car, dropped 80 seconds - and as a result was unable to compete for the remainder of the day as his car had to be repaired.
"Just an absolutely stupid mistake," Paddon said, soon after crossing the line.
"I turned in too early and clipped a bank on the inside. I think I broke a driveshaft or something
"I've let everybody down."
Paddon took to social media after the race and took the blame for the mistake.
"No one to blame but myself. Hugely sorry for the team and everyone supporting us.
"What has happened has happened - it's important I learn from this and put things right at the next event."
There are four more stages to race on the final day in Italy on Sunday (Italy time).
Newshub.
