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Hayden Paddon aims to secure a gravel opportunity with Hyundai in the WRC after his promising return to top-tier rallying. This could reshape his future in the sport.
Paddon, a former WRC winner and two-time European Rally champion, has made a comeback alongside teammates Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi. He joined Hyundai's lineup for asphalt events, achieving the team’s best asphalt result of the season with a third-place finish in Croatia. Despite finishing seventh at Rally Japan, Paddon expresses a strong desire to compete on gravel, targeting potential rounds in Paraguay or Chile.
His only WRC victory came in Argentina back in 2016, and he hopes to replicate that success. Paddon acknowledges that while there are currently no agreements in place for future rallies, he remains committed to supporting Hyundai’s decisions. He has faced tough conditions on asphalt, but believes his performance has steadily improved throughout the season.
With Sordo confirmed for the next gravel event in Greece and Lappi expected to drive in Estonia and Finland, Paddon’s chances hinge on upcoming decisions regarding the remaining rounds in Paraguay, Chile, Sardinia, and Saudi Arabia. His determination to contribute through testing and preparation for next year highlights his readiness for more challenges ahead.
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