D'Arcy Waldegrave: Hayden Paddon has reignited his rally career

The All Sport Breakfast

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4d ago 2:42

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Persistence. Talent. Desire. Results. And an unerring belief and love for what you do.

Hayden Paddon is back in the World Rally Championship, eight years after last competing at the highest level of the sport.

The Kiwi peddler, along with long-time collaborator and navigator John Kennard, has been given a third share of Hyundai’s third entry into next year’s global championship.

Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux will contest every round of the championship, with Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi, and Hayden Paddon sharing the third car. Hayden will kick off the season in Monte Carlo next year, the first round of the 2026 Championship, and one of the most iconic rallies on the calendar.

Since he departed the world scene not on the best terms with Hyundais world rally team, Hayden has not stopped developing his craft, or the cars he campaigns in in rallies across the world. No sulking, no what ifs, just full focus on the task at hand.

Speaking with Hayden a year ago after he won the European Rally Championship for the second consecutive year, as it happens, when he won the first of the two, he became the first non-European rally driver to do so. Hayden told me he believed the WRC ship had well and truly sailed and he was looking at his current campaigns and the development of his primary interest outside of the driver's seat, the electric Hyundai Kona EV. This is pioneering work in the electric rally car space.

Although Hayden’s tenure with Hyundai’s international rally arm faltered, he stuck with the manufacturer here in New Zealand, showing loyalty to the brand. That, along with keeping his sword razor sharp by competing at the highest level he could, he has reignited his rally career.

Persistence. Talent. Desire. Results. And an unerring belief and love for what you do.

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