Paddon launches home WRC campaign
The covers have come off the Rally2-spec Hyundai that local hero Hayden Paddon will drive at Rally New Zealand next month.
Photo by: Repco
The Kiwi will continue his association with Hyundai New Zealand for his home World Rally Championship round, while the car also features increased backing from Repco.
The automotive parts retailer is also the naming rights backer of what will be the first WRC round in New Zealand in a decade.
Paddon and long-time co-driver John Kennard are part of a 12-car WRC2 field that also includes Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen and Australian Rally Champion Harry Bates.
“We’ve been waiting 10 years for Repco Rally New Zealand to come back, and to be here with our own car and own team, representing New Zealand is something we’re excited about, and pretty proud about too,” said Paddon.
“We’re in the WRC2 class and the expectation is to win. That’s what we are here to do, but we have some pretty strong competition and we have to do a lot of good prep. But we have strong knowledge of the stages, so hopefully we can give it a good nudge.
“It’s great to have Repco come on board to complement our Hyundai New Zealand programme is a natural fit. We really want to represent both of the brands on top of the podium.
“I think the WRC2 field for the event is very strong, with Kiwi and Australian competitors. You have Australian Rally Champion Harry Bates, then you throw in past NZ champion Ben Hunt and Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen. It;s going to be a nice battle to be a part of.”
Repco Rally New Zealand will take place between September 29 and October 2.
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Toby Price explains 'unfortunate' Mitsubishi split
Supercars parity review begins
Why Courtney and Tickford are a dream match
Former Hyundai WRC driver Paddon seals two-year WRC2 deal
Paddon admits WRC return chances bleaker than ever
Paddon to compete in ARC opener
Teams expect Sainz's F1 China qualifying incident to be cleared up
Newgarden opens up over IndyCar rules breach: “I’m not a liar”
MotoGP Spanish GP: Bagnaia on record pace in second practice
F1 chief Domenicali eyes more sprint weekends
The eight minutes of madness that saw Ogier strike in Croatia
How Rovanpera showed his class above his WRC rivals in Kenya
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore
How Lappi survived Swedish snow carnage to snap his lengthy WRC drought
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments