Hayden Paddon believes he delivered everything Hyundai asked for and hopes his strong performances will lead to another Rally1 outing later this season.
After his being selected by Hyundai Motorsport for a limited asphalt programme in 2026, Paddon competed in three events and steadily improved his performance throughout the season. The highlight of his campaign came at Rally Croatia, where he secured a podium finish and demonstrated that he can still compete with the championship’s leading drivers. Together with co-driver John Kennard, Paddon believes the team achieved all the objectives set for the programme. Although his scheduled appearances have now concluded, Paddon hopes his strong results in 2026 will earn him another chance later in the season, particularly on gravel rallies, which he considers his strongest surface. For now, he remains focused on supporting Hyundai and staying ready for any future opportunities in the WRC. Regardless of whether another WRC opportunity materialises, Paddon’s return to the championship has already exceeded many expectations. After years away from the sport’s top category, he has demonstrated that he remains competitive at the highest level and is ready to seize any future opportunity that comes his way.
"It has been three of probably the most challenging rallies on Tarmac, but we have tried to take the challenge in our stride and do the best we can", Paddon said.
"We have improved and I think the speed has got better with each rally and we have got a couple of good results.
"We have done everything that was asked of us.
“Japan was challenging.
"I did a lot of prep and a lot of work but even when we went out onto the stages there was a lot to take in.
"I think we did the best we could.
"We were about where we wanted to be against our team-mates who were on roads they drove only six months ago.
"There were plenty of positives.
"I’d like to have another round of course but at the moment there is nothing agreed.
"We will have to see.
"At the end of the day the team makes the decisions that are best for the team and I will support those whatever they are.
"Hopefully I can help with a bit of testing and things towards next year.
"I would like to go to South America.
"I have got good memories down there and the roads are exactly the roads I enjoy.
"Finland and Estonia are very specialised and that is EP’s backyard".
Source: wrc.com
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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