Kennard has done the event once before, in 1994, with a Japanese driver contesting the European Rally Championship (ERC) Production Cup.
''I remember Ypres as a very specialised event because of the cuts, which need very good notes, and the changing conditions from one run to the next over stages, which become quite dirty,'' Kennard said. Paddon, who will be stepping back into a S2000 car for the first time in nine months, admitted that intricate knowledge would be necessary of the 18 stages, on the 660km journey through twisty, tarmac farming lanes.
''The roads will certainly be very challenging, as a huge part of this rally is knowing where you can and can't cut the corners - and there are more corners that you can cut than can't.
''Of course, the locals know this very well so recce will be very important for both John and me to try and spot these.''
On Sunday, he tested the Ford Fiesta Super 2000-spec car he is using for the event, which is run by Belgium-based Symtech Racing, with whom he and Kennard won the 2011 FIA Production World Rally Championship. It took a few runs to adapt from driving the Mitsubishi Evo 9 he has been rallying in New Zealand, he said.
''The main thing that you have to change is to be more aggressive with the car and trust in its extreme capabilities more - late braking, responsive steering etc. But after some set-up changes and some more time in the seat the feeling in the car came quickly, and by the afternoon [I] felt right at home.''
Paddon and Kennard are targeting a podium finish this weekend, but know they have got a challenge on their hands.
''Rally Ypres is a very specialised event and we're up against four factory cars and a number of other very fast drivers,'' Paddon said.
Earlier this week, he was invited to meet the mayor of a village called Mesen - which is steeped in New Zealand World War 1 history - in the Belgian province of West Flanders. He said on his Facebook page that it was a ''moving experience''.
